Sun Sets on 2 of Hawaii’s Major Airline Carriers

by Laura Balch 

Looks like aloha means goodbye for ATA Airlines and Aloha Airlines, who have both unexpectedly folded in the past two weeks, leaving passengers stranded and industry insiders scratching their heads. The two carriers, which together accounted for a huge portion of flights between mainland U.S. and Hawaii, have filed for bankruptcy protection practically back to back.

What does this news mean for travelers? According to a New York Times article posted today, the likely answer is higher fares for those hoping to get lei-ed this summer. Less competition, along with rising fuel costs, will almost certainly mean the end of deep discounts from remaining carriers, like Hawaiian, Delta and Continental, for the foreseeable future.