Small airlines battle to serve the most remote US cities, where even empty flights can be profitable thanks to millions in subsidies

Beckley, West Virginia; Burlington, Iowa; and Clovis, New Mexico are among the countless US cities that have been overlooked and underserved by America's largest airlines. There's simply not enough consistent demand to make them profitable. But one airline's money-losing route can be another's profit-maker. In fact, a niche industry of regional airlines seeks out these cities and relies on the US government to help turn a profit when flying to them.

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