Summary
- Delta Air Lines addresses the demand gap between Tulsa and New York with a new nonstop route.
- Tulsa airport CEO is excited about added travel capacity and convenience for passengers.
- Delta operates three nonstop routes from Tulsa without competition, boosting the convenience of travel.
Delta Air Lines has launched its first nonstop route between Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and New York LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) in an effort to expand its route network and address the demand gap.
Addressing the demand gap
Delta Air Lines
began its nonstop direct operations between Tulsa and New York on September 4, 2024. The decision to start operations between the two destinations stemmed from the demand gap Tulsans were experiencing.
Photo: WestOka | Shutterstock
According to Delta, New York remains one of the most in-demand destinations, with an average of 116 passengers flying between the two cities daily. Commenting on the announcement, David Hart, Delta’s Managing Director of Network Planning, said:
“Delta is proud to introduce this new nonstop service between Tulsa and New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, offering our customers in Tulsa a gateway to one of the most vibrant cities in the world. As New York City’s #1 carrier, we are excited to connect our LGA hub to the growing Tulsa market.”
Notably, Delta faces no competition as the sole carrier offering direct nonstop service between Tulsa and New York. The Atlanta-based airline will operate one daily flight year-round, deploying its fleet of 76-seat Embraer E175 regional aircraft.
Delta’s regional aircraft is operated by Delta Connection carriers, including SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways. Delta’s Embraer E175 regional jets can accommodate 76 passengers in their three-class cabins: 12 in first class, 20 in Delta Comfort, and 44 in economy class.
Chief Executive Officer at Tulsa International Airport, Alexis Higgins, commented:
“As demand for travel between Tulsa and New York City continues to rise, we’re thrilled to offer more capacity to meet this growing market. This addition reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our passengers with more choices and convenient travel options.”
Other nonstop routes from Tulsa
In addition to the TUL to LGA service, Delta Air Lines offers two direct nonstop routes from Tulsa, including the Tulsa (TUL) to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) corridor and the Tulsa (TUL) to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) route.
Photo: Great Circle Mapper
Delta operates the TUL to SLC route using its Embraer E175, while the TUL to ATL route is serviced by the airline’s Boeing 717 fleet. It is worth noting that Delta doesn’t face any competition on any of the three routes serving Tulsa International Airport.
Historically, Tulsa Airport was originally a military airfield until the city acquired it in 1929. Over the years, the airport has grown, but it has remained a relatively small hub for air travel.
Currently, five US airlines offer flights to 22 direct destinations across the country. In 2023, the airport set a new record with 3.14 million passengers, the highest number since 2008. Notably, the low-cost giant
Southwest Airlines
holds the largest market share at TUL Airport, with
American Airlines
and Delta following.