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Alaska Airlines just dropped its daily Burbank flight from Tri-Cities Airport, ending a route launched just 5 months ago in October 2025. The airline removed the Hollywood Burbank connection from its schedule over the weekend, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives. Why did this promising route fail so quickly?
🔥 Quick Facts
- Route Ending: Alaska Airlines ends daily Pasco to Burbank service after April 30, 2026
- Duration: Just 5 months of operation since the October 26, 2025 launch
- Aircraft: 76-seat Embraer was assigned to the nonstop route
- Impact: Airport Director Buck Taft suspects poor performance metrics forced the cuts
What Happened to This Short-Lived Route?
Alaska Airlines launched the Pasco-to-Hollywood Burbank route in late October 2025 after Avelo Airlines exited the West Coast market. The daily nonstop service promised Tri-Cities residents direct access to one of the Los Angeles area’s most popular airports. But just five months later, the airline quietly dropped it from its schedule over the weekend without explanation.
Airport Director Buck Taft confirmed the decision but said Alaska Airlines provided no official statement about reasoning. Taft speculated that the route simply wasn’t meeting the airline’s performance standards for profitability or passenger volume, a common issue for smaller regional routes.
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Why Did This Route Struggle in the First Place?
Several factors likely contributed to the Burbank flight’s short lifespan. The 76-seat Embraer aircraft used on the route couldn’t generate enough revenue during off-peak seasons when demand to Southern California naturally drops. Additionally, Alaska Airlines announced in prior statements that it was paring back California operations due to slower-than-expected aircraft deliveries from its fleet modernization plans.
The competition intensified recently when Allegiant Air launched a new twice-weekly service between Pasco and John Wayne Airport in nearby Orange County just weeks before the route cancellation announcement. This new competitor targeting the same market likely pressured Alaska’s decision-making process and influenced passenger bookings.
What Are Your Travel Options Now?
| Destination | Carrier Options | Airport |
| Los Angeles | Alaska Airlines | LAX |
| Orange County | Allegiant Air (twice weekly) | John Wayne |
| Portland | Alaska Airlines (returns June 2026) | PDX |
| Las Vegas | Multiple carriers | LAS |
“They didn’t give us any specific reasoning. If I had to just guess, I would say it just wasn’t performing up to the standard that they needed it to keep it going.”
— Buck Taft, Tri-Cities Airport Director
What’s the Bright Side for Tri-Cities Travelers?
While losing direct Burbank service stings, the Tri-Cities region isn’t losing access to Southern California entirely. Alaska Airlines continues daily flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and the new Allegiant Air service to John Wayne Airport provides a viable alternative to Orange County—arguably closer to Disneyland and beachside attractions.
More importantly, Alaska Airlines confirmed it’s still committed to reviving nonstop service to Portland beginning in June 2026. This demonstrates the airline remains invested in Pacific Northwest connectivity and larger regional markets. The airport’s record 500,000 passengers in 2025 shows underlying demand that carriers will continue to target.
Will More Route Cuts Be Coming from Alaska Airlines?
The Burbank cancellation is part of a larger Alaska Airlines strategy announced in late 2025. The carrier said it would discontinue 16 routes while adding 13 new ones across its network in 2026. This rebalancing reflects industry-wide pressures including aircraft delivery delays, rising operational costs, and shifting demand patterns post-pandemic.
Airport leadership remains optimistic about future growth. Director Taft emphasized that Tri-Cities Airport has seen consistent passenger growth for three consecutive years and continues working closely with all carriers to attract viable routes. The arrival of Portland service in June and Allegiant expansion suggests the market still appeals to multiple airlines despite the Burbank disappointment.
