Elite Airways has announced it is canceling service between Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST) in St. Augustine, Rochester International Airport (RST) in Minnesota and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Arizona.
The airline announced in May that it would be launching service at St. Augustine’s regional airport on July 20th. The twice-weekly nonstop flights were designed to help connect Mayo Clinic headquarters in Rochester with its campuses in Jacksonville and Phoenix.
Then on on Tuesday the airline announced it was scrapping the service altogether.
“We are disappointed by Elite Airways’ decision to not move ahead with plans for air service from St. Augustine to Rochester, Minn.,” said Mayo Clinic spokesman Kevin Punsky. “We remain confident that our patients, visitors and staff have many options for flying in and out of Rochester. We will continue to partner and advocate for expanded flight options for our visitors, staff and the community.”
Elite Airways officials said they’re still looking into the possibility of other flights in and out of St. Augustine.
All passengers who were affected by the cancellation of service have been contacted and fully refunded, according to the airline.
Anyone with questions or concerns can call Elite Airways at 877-393-2510.
Brendan Rivers can be reached at brivers@wjct.org, 904-358-6396 or on Twitter at @BrendanRivers.
Photo used under Creative Commons license.
