Overview
Florence Regional Airport in Florence County, South Carolina, will lose one of its three daily American Airlines flights at the start of 2026. The reduction affects one of the daily services to Charlotte, North Carolina, and will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Reason for the Flight Reduction
American Airlines is the airport’s only commercial carrier. According to Executive Director Brad Beadles, the decision is tied to passenger load factors — the percentage of seats filled on each flight.
Beadles explained that the airport has not consistently met the minimum load requirements needed for American Airlines to maintain three daily flights.
Director’s Perspective
Beadles, who has been in the role since January, said that he has implemented several subtle but necessary operational changes. He remains confident that the suspended flight will return once demand rebounds.
Beadles stated:
“I thoroughly believe that the load factors, I think with only having two flights, the load factors will increase, and they will see that we need that third one. I think they will be back in April or May.”
Seasonal Travel Patterns
Beadles noted that temporary reductions are not uncommon for smaller regional airports, especially during slow travel months.
He added:
“Because January is always a low traveling month, right? Everyone’s traveled for Thanksgiving, everyone’s traveled for Christmas. They’re kind of done in January.”
He expects the reduction to last through the first quarter of 2026.
Expected Timeline for Restoration
Beadles expressed optimism that American Airlines will reinstate the third daily flight by April or May 2026.
He also mentioned the possibility of expanded service in the future.
Beadles said:
“I thoroughly believe that probably April or May, we’ll get that third flight back and hopefully, you know, maybe even that fourth flight come in here in the next year.”
