It's official -- Delta to drop Yakima flights

YAKIMA -- Delta Air Lines announced Tuesday morning it plans to discontinue Sky West Airlines flights between Yakima and Salt Lake City, effective Aug. 31.

Delta said the reduction is because of rising fuel prices.

"Although Delta would prefer to continue offering customers the convenience of scheduled air service between Yakima and Salt Lake City, we are proactively responding to record fuel prices to optimize our financial performance," Joe Esposito, Delta's managing director for Network Planning, said in a news release.

Delta will offer customers who are booked on Yakima flights after Aug. 31 alternative transportation choices or refunds.

Anthony Black, Delta spokesman, said customers who need to re-book or reschedule flights can call 800-221-1212.

Delta began its service from Yakima to Salt Lake City in June 2007.