Regional carrier Great Lakes Airlines suspends all scheduled flights indefinitely

Regional carrier Great Lakes Airlines has abruptly grounded all flights and will suspend all services as an air carrier ‘indefinitely.’

The airline has advised all customer holding tickets to seek refunds from their original booking source.

"Although we are ceasing flight operations, it is important to note that the company has not entered bankruptcy and will continue to operate certain segments of the business. We will continue to support the ADI flights operating between Denver, Pierre and Watertown."

The airline operated United Express feeder services for United Airlines for a decade until 2002, and was once the largest carrier serving rural airports under the essential air services program.

The Cheyenne, Wyoming based airline began flying back in the late 1970s.

Since the 2000s, its route network has declined with the closure of hubs in Chicago and Minneapolis.

It had been operating flights linking seven cities, including Phoenix and Prescott, Arizona, Cheyenne, Wyoming and Los Angeles.