ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Ravn Alaska is suspending flights to several major communities in the Aleutian Islands starting later this month, officials confirmed to Alaska’s News Source on Wednesday.

The decision will take effect on August 16 and includes the suspension of flights to Unalaska, Dutch Harbor, Sand Point and Cold Bay.

This could be a major blow to smaller communities served by the airline, who also fear it could lead to higher fares from other airlines and fewer flights to and from the region.

“We rely on commercial airlines to bring our people here for ecotourism, hunting and fishing. Cannery workers are being relocated to other communities,” said Michael Ashley of Cold Bay Lodge.

The company says the changes are part of efforts to “optimize operations and ensure long-term sustainability and growth.”

“By reallocating resources and capacity, Ravn Alaska/New Pacific Airlines aims to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction across its core network,” the company wrote in an email. “This was not an easy decision, but it is a necessary step in our long-term strategy to strengthen the overall success of our airline, and this move allows us to focus on routes where we can have the greatest impact.”

The company’s website states that people who have already paid for trips can expect a refund within 14 business days starting August 16.

After that, Ravn will only fly to Anchorage, Homer, St. Mary’s, St. Paul Island and Valdez, according to the company’s website.

Due to financial pressures, the company ceased all operations in spring 2020 and had a new owner when the airline resumed operations in November 2020.

By 2024, over 100 Ravn Alaska employees will lose their jobs. The company had previously canceled all flights to Kenai and Aniak, citing the ongoing pilot shortage.

CEO Rob McKinney left the company last month and was replaced by Tom Hsieh.

Since July, the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is no longer available on Ravn flights. Instead, passengers can now collect so-called Flycoins. Flycoin describes itself as a “crypto-based rewards program that pays guests a reward every time they fly or do business with our partners.”

An Alaska Airlines spokesman said the company suspended the agreement because of a change in leadership at Ravn.

The Ravn website recommends calling or emailing customer service if you have any further questions.

Customers with questions can contact Ravn Alaska Customer Service at 1-907-266-8394 or email [email protected].

“What concerns me is essentially the total cost of getting here,” Ashley said.

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