WORCESTER - Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, as well as Congressman Jim McGovern, are praising the US Department of Transportation's [DOT] decision to keep airlines flying out of Worcester during the coronavirus pandemic.

However, both American Airlines and Jetblue asked for and are expected to be granted exemptions to suspend services at Worcester Regional Airport. Massport expects both airlines to stop service in Worcester, but are unsure when this stoppage will take effect.

The federal CARES Act authorized the DOT to require airlines to maintain a minimum level of scheduled service. JetBlue continues to run flights to JFK Airport in New York City three days per week. 

In a released statement, Massport said, "This is a unique period for all our airline partners, and tough, cost-saving decisions are being made across the board. JetBlue and American have been, and continue to be, great partners both at Logan and Worcester Regional. We look forward to both these airlines returning to Worcester in the near future to continue serving all of Central Massachusetts."

According to Massport, Delta Airlines will continue to provide service from Worcester airport to their hub at Detroit Metro Airport.