Mesa Airlines Cancels Lewiston-Portland Run

Travelers who want to schedule a flight to Portland from Lewiston may have to deal with a temporary shortage of flights this year.

Mesa Airlines, which is operating a United Airlines feeder service at Lewiston under the name United Express, will cease the round-trip, nonstop flights to Portland Feb. 20, the airline announced Tuesday.

Mesa Airlines learned earlier this year its contract with United Airlines would not be renewed when it expired Oct. 1. Apparently that announcement has resulted in employees leaving Mesa Airlines, affecting the company more than had been expected, administrators at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport said.

SkyWest has been negotiating with United Airlines to take over the United Express service.