American Airlines recently informed the management of Bob Hope Airport that it will cease operations at Burbank effective February 9 as part of the airline’s ongoing evaluation of its operation since its bankruptcy filing last November.

“American has been an integral part of the schedule at Bob Hope Airport since 1983, and as anyone who has flown American to Dallas/Fort Worth in recent years from Burbank will attest, the flights are in high demand and will be missed by this airport and our patrons,” said Executive Director Dan Feger.  “We understand the impact of the national economy on the airline industry and the specific problems American is trying to address. Over time we hope American will return to Burbank,” Feger added.

American started at Burbank offering nonstop flights to Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth.  It dropped the Chicago route in the late 1980s but steadily grew the Dallas/Fort Worth service over the years, linking Burbank passengers to its extensive route structure throughout the country and to international markets. American accounted for 7.5% of Bob Hope Airport passenger volume from January through November 2011, the most recent period for which statistics are available.