At one time, American Airlines was a major player here in Providence, especially when it had a hub in Raleigh-Durham.  But American now accounts for less than 5% of the business at T.F. Green Airport.

The airline's decision to eliminate all flights this fall in Providence and cut back nationally is a sign of the times in the airline industry.
     
The airline announced it will eliminate its 3 daily flights to Chicago on November 1st, the final nail in what has seemed like an inevitably closing coffin at T.F. Green.
    
Airport officials say it shouldn't have a major impact on passengers, who can still get flights to Chicago from Southwest and United.  But it signals further problems for airlines that have been battered by high fuel costs, consolidated flights, and in some cases a drop in passenger traffic.

ABC 6 chief reporter Jim Hummel has more...