News release tonight from Clinton National Airport has me cheering. The airport is going to lose a direct flight to National Airport in Washington on account of a recent airline merger. That’s bad news for congressmen, staff and lobbyists, but not nearly as many travelers as will be cheered by the news that:

Coming April, there will be a direct American Airlines flight from Little Rock to New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

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Please see the attached media release from American Airlines Group concerning the discontinuance of non-stop service from LIT to DCA under US Airways and the addition of non-stop service from LIT to LGA through American Airlines. The airport’s statement is below. Please contact me with any questions. Thanks.

Statement from:
Shane Carter, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport

We worked extremely hard to keep service to the nation’s capital. However, the required divestiture of slots at Reagan National, combined with a lack of demand from passengers, led to the route being discontinued. Since it began in March 2012, the route has consistently struggled to meet performance goals. The schedule started with two flights per day, which was later reduced to one. There weren’t enough passengers using the non-stop service from Little Rock to Washington for it to sustain.

We have an excellent relationship with American Airlines Group, and appreciate its leadership’s continued confidence in our community. While we’re losing a destination, we’re gaining another with reestablishing service into the New York area. The Airport Commission has been working with American for several months to finalize details on non-stop, daily service from Little Rock to LaGuardia that will begin in April. This announcement is responsive to business travelers requesting non-stop service to the financial capital, and certainly to those who want a quicker way to experience all of the excitement that the big apple offers.

No details in American’s release on whether there will be more than one flight a day to and from New York. Service begins April 1. You can begin booking Jan. 26.