Fewer nonstop flights, take-offs lead to sharp drop in passenger use of T.F. Green Airport

With fewer nonstop flights, airline seats and take-offs, the number of passengers at T.F. Green Airport has declined by 40 percent in nine years.

The Providence Journal reports (http://bit.ly/1y8jHDQ ) that experts say there's nothing wrong with the airport, but it's been hurt by changes in the airline business.

An aviation analyst says airlines that focused on connecting hub airports are instead making money serving primary airports. That has led to fewer direct flights between secondary airports, such as Providence.

Travelers must instead fly from one secondary airport to a connecting hub and catch a connecting flight to a destination at a secondary airport.

Also, 11 airlines that used Green are now down to five.

Kelly Fredericks, president of the Rhode Island Airport Corp., said he'll try to win back flyers who use Logan International Airport.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com