Hawaiian Airlines says it will suspend passenger flights between Honolulu and Molokai and Lanai starting Nov. 1, as well as cargo-only service within the Hawaiian Islands. Service between Honolulu and Kapalua in West Maui was suspended in March.

In a statement Friday, the company attributed the suspension to 鈥渆conomic challenges of low travel demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions.鈥

Hawaiian reduced its workforce by nearly 2,500 employees this month when the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Payroll Support Program expired.

According to its website, continues to provide service to Molokai and Lanai.

Hawaiian Airlines aircraft parked near the Daniel K Inouye International Airport Interisland terminal side of the airport. June 11, 2020
Hawaiian Airlines aircraft parked at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The airline is cutting service to Lanai and Molokai. Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

In a news release issued late Friday, Hawaiian said it had sought to preserve service to Molokai and Lanai, but that low travel demand caused by the pandemic and the state of Hawaii鈥檚 14-day quarantine for travelers triggered a labor provision in Hawaiian鈥檚 pilot contract that affected its ability to provide the 鈥極hana by Hawaiian service, which Hawaiian operated with Idaho-based Empire Airlines.

Hawaii is scheduled on Oct. 15 to lift the quarantine requirement for travelers who test negative for COVID-19 within three days of traveling to Hawaii.

Peter Ingram, Hawaiian鈥檚 president and chief executive, said Hawaiian plans to resume the interisland service but did not say when.

鈥淲hile we are disappointed at being unable to avoid the service suspension, this is a difficult situation for both Hawaiian and Empire Airlines as we navigate an incredibly challenging period, and we all remain committed to returning flights to communities that rely on 鈥極hana by Hawaiian,鈥 Ingram said.

Hawaiian said it is contacting affected guests to provide refunds. The airline said it鈥檚 offering cargo customers refunds or, in some cases, the option to transport goods on Hawaiian鈥檚 Boeing 717 and A321neo aircraft.

Support Independent, Unbiased News

Civil Beat is a nonprofit, reader-supported newsroom based in 贬补飞补颈驶颈. When you give, your donation is combined with gifts from thousands of your fellow readers, and together you help power the strongest team of investigative journalists in the state.

 

About the Author