Mesaba ordered to continue service

TUPELO — The U.S. Department of Transportation has directed Mesaba Airlines to continue air service in Tupelo through at least March 15, or until replacement service begins.

The USDOT is weighing options for federally subsidized air service in the city, including the number of flights.

Mesaba is a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines.

Last July, Mesaba notified USDOT of its intent to suspend service in Tupelo because it couldn’t provide service without a federal subsidy. Several extensions have been ordered.

Mesaba currently provides one daily flight to Memphis and one to Atlanta.

City and airport officials have told Mesaba they would like to get three daily flights.

Another airline, SeaPort Airlines, offered a bid but did not receive a letter of support from city officials.

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