Airport officials in Albuquerque are bracing for significant Southwest Airlines flight losses next year when a federal law that restricts direct flights to Dallas Love Field expires.
Southwest is the Albuquerque International Sunport's biggest operator with 38 of the airport's 78 daily departures.
A federal law known as the Wright Amendment has forced Southwest to restrict its nonstop flights from Love Field to destinations within Texas and nearby states. Southwest flights heading for Los Angeles and Las Vegas from Love Field often stop in Albuquerque to comply with the rule.
The amendment is set to expire in October.
Southwest says it's too early to tell the impact. But city Aviation Director Jim Hinde says he expects a cut in the number of flights.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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