American Airlines reduces Worcester-Philadelphia flights

Photo/Courtesy American Airlines started its Worcester-Philadelphia route in October.

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By Zachary Comeau

American Airlines has confirmed that it is dropping one of its flights from Worcester Regional Airport to Philadelphia one year after adding a second flight to the route.

The airline said in an email Monday that beginning in June, just one flight will be available for the route that began in October everyday except Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Spokesperson Nichelle Tait said the decision was based on the size of flights on the route.

“We’re always evaluating out network based on supply and demand and made the decision to adjust our schedule to meet the demand in the market,” she said.

According to Tait, flights will leave Worcester at 3:45 p.m. and arrive in Philadelphia at 5:12 p.m.

Return flights will depart at 2:05 p.m. and land in Worcester at 3:19 p.m.

The airport, MassPort and American Airlines announced the service last April, which made American the third airline to fly out of the airport.

A second flight was added in June before the service even began in October.

In a statement, MassPort said it was informed Monday of American's reduced schedule. The agency noted that American was also eliminating a daily Boston-to-Pittsburg flight.

"Though we at Massport are disappointed with the decision, we will continue to work with American, and their senior leadership, to make Worcester Regional an airport of choice with multiple destinations for our passengers," MassPort said.

The airport's resurgence remains a priority for MassPort, which has invested more than $100 million in the airport since it took ownership in 2010. The airport serves five daily departures via three major airlines, including American, JetBlue and Delta, the latter of which will begin flights to Detroit in August.