Delta Air Lines has made an abrupt U-turn on its decision to exit New York’s Binghamton Airport (BGM), just days after signaling its intent to drop service to the airport. As the airport’s only scheduled passenger airline, Delta had planned to pull out in February, but is now resuming service sometime in the spring.

After holding talks with Delta following its announcement last month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been credited for encouraging Delta’s change of course, ensuring the return of Binghamton’s only regular commercial flight.

Delta Will Return To Binghamton This Spring

According to Governor Hochul, the airline has « identified available aircraft » to continue operating at the upstate New York airport, which is presently served by just a single route — a Delta Connection service between Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Despite BGM investing big bucks to modernize the airport and passenger experience, it has failed to attract strong interest from airlines, but sustained political pressure will ensure it at least has some service this year.

Delta confirmed to Simple Flying that it planned to restart flights following a review of its « fleet allocation strategy. » It also confirmed its previously announced plan to stop flights from February 14, so it could be several weeks before the airline resumes operations. Looking at Delta’s official website, this flight is not yet bookable past February 14 — when announcing in late December that it was leaving BGM, Delta cited operational and network challenges behind its departure.

A Delta spokesperson told Simple Flying,

« Delta will restart service to Binghamton (BGM) in spring 2026 following a review of our fleet allocation strategy as we continuously evaluate our network to best align with customer demand. As previously announced, service to BGM is scheduled to end starting on Feb. 14, 2026, and we appreciate our customers’ patience during this temporary pause in service before flights resume later this spring. »

Air Service Restored For Tens Of Thousands

According to New York Senator Chuck Schumer, Delta’s initial decision to exit BGM would have left thousands of residents in the region without viable air service, with the airport « making a world of difference for families and local businesses across the Southern Tier. » Other than Binghamton Airport, residents in the area have Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) and Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (AVP), both of which are over one hours’ drive away.

BGM has been around since the 1950s and seen sporadic commercial air service over the years. With the likes of American Airlines and United Airlines exiting the airport a decade ago, other brief ventures — such as Avelo Airlines’ service between Binghamton and Orlando — have not survived, leaving Delta as its sole airline.

Looking at recent data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the airline’s connection with Detroit saw more than 15,000 enplanements from BGM over a 12-month period, with flights typically served by a Delta Connection Bombardier CRJ-700 or CRJ-900. Its CRJ-700 aircraft can seat up to 69 passengers, while the CRJ-900 accommodates a maximum of 76 passengers.

Will Binghamton Airport Secure More Airlines?

Situated around a three-hour drive from New York City and serving the Greater Binghamton and Southern Tier region of New York, Binghamton has strong potential to grow as a regional airport. Significantly backed by state funding initiatives, BGM has pumped over $54 million into renovations and modernization projects in the hopes of attracting interest from commercial airlines.

Airport officials have reportedly held discussions with multiple airlines over launching service to BGM, but this has not resulted in any new routes thus far. The last airline other than Delta to fly from Binghamton was Avelo Airlines, which launched a service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in November 2022. However, it canceled this route less than two years later, citing a lack of profitability.