Texarkana airport questions its future
By: Jade Cunningham
Updated: February 26, 2013
Some of the nation's airports are bracing themselves as March 1st quickly approaches.
A total of 238 airports, including Texarkana's, could be hit hard by federal budget cuts.
Airport Director, Steve Luebbert, was notified Friday that the air traffic control tower could be shut down.
While that wouldn't necessarily close the airport, it could mean a loss of about 128 staff, and the possibility of losing American Eagle's business.
But Luebbert says he's working hard to keep the Twin City's facility open, and his employees' jobs in tact.
"If we lose the tower, we may still keep the carrier. But we could lose the passenger traffic from another source, which could cost us the carrier. And, we don't yet understand the impact on the screeners which are necessary for the carrier to operate. This place has got to take off. We're on the one yard line, we don't want to fumble this close to the goal. If we can keep her going, she's going to be a gold mine in the future."
Even though American Eagle first said they would not serve an uncontrolled airfield, Luebbert says as of now, they will.
This means some new procedures will have to be worked out to make sure each passenger is comfortable and safe.
A total of 238 airports, including Texarkana's, could be hit hard by federal budget cuts.
Airport Director, Steve Luebbert, was notified Friday that the air traffic control tower could be shut down.
While that wouldn't necessarily close the airport, it could mean a loss of about 128 staff, and the possibility of losing American Eagle's business.
But Luebbert says he's working hard to keep the Twin City's facility open, and his employees' jobs in tact.
"If we lose the tower, we may still keep the carrier. But we could lose the passenger traffic from another source, which could cost us the carrier. And, we don't yet understand the impact on the screeners which are necessary for the carrier to operate. This place has got to take off. We're on the one yard line, we don't want to fumble this close to the goal. If we can keep her going, she's going to be a gold mine in the future."
Even though American Eagle first said they would not serve an uncontrolled airfield, Luebbert says as of now, they will.
This means some new procedures will have to be worked out to make sure each passenger is comfortable and safe.
