Delta cuts domestic flights but adds international routes

Facing bankruptcy and rising fuel prices, Delta has been cutting a number of its domestic flights, but at the same time it has been adding new international routes, particularly to Mexico.

If accepted by the Mexican and American Transportation Departments, Delta would have direct flights between Atlanta and Zihuatanejo, Boston, Cincinnati, and Washington to Cancun, and Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Zihuatanejo.

Delta said it would like the new routes to begin in April of 2006.

Since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Delta has cut its domestic flights by about 15 per cent, including cutting flights that haven't had enough bookings.

Despite these cuts, Delta's international service has increased by 25 per cent, indicating that the airline's bankruptcy strategy is to expand internationally while reducing domestic service.

Airfares for the new routes are not yet available but should be announced when the transportation departments approve the flights.

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