American Airlines announced Sunday it will postpone resuming commercial flights to Manhattan Regional Airport from the initial September 6 date, until September 25.
The announcement comes as the airport’s massive runway reconstruction project remains behind schedule. As reported by News Radio KMAN last week, the City of Manhattan’s general contractor, Clarkson Construction, has faced a number of setbacks this summer, including supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages.
Reservation agents from American Airlines began contacting customers impacted by the change. Flights reserved between September 6 and September 24 are being rebooked to the Kansas City airport or refunded.
Airport Director Brandon Keazer issued a statement Sunday apologizing for the inconvenience to customers.
“I know many people were looking forward to the restart of service in time for the K-State football season, but please be assured we are doing everything we can to ensure the project finishes in time for the Big 12 home games in October and November,” he said.
Keazer says the City of Manhattan is working on options that could lead to completing construction in advance of September 25, but says regardless, American won’t book flights during this period, even if construction finishes ahead of that date.
Most of the hard construction has been completed, but a lot of electrical work still remains, including the installation of runway edge lights, navigational aids and runway and taxiway signs.
More information regarding construction and airline service is available at flymhk.com.
