Major airline abandons 3 key cities as passengers face shrinking flight choices

American Airlines has dropped flights to three destinations across the U.S., Mexico and the Middle East this year — leaving some travelers with fewer flight options.

The airline has discontinued service to Santa Maria, California ; Tijuana, Mexico; and Doha, Qatar, according to aviation outlet Simple Flying, which cited data from aviation analytics company Cirium.

The cuts have left Santa Maria without service from a major U.S. legacy carrier , while Tijuana lost its only nonstop route operated by a U.S. airline.

FURIOUS CROWDS PROTEST SKY-HIGH HOUSING COSTS AND MASS TOURISM IN MAJOR CITY By cutting its routes from Phoenix to Santa Maria and Tijuana, American Airlines has exited both destinations.

At Santa Maria, Allegiant Air remains the only commercial airline serving the airport, with flights to Las Vegas, according to Simple Flying.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has taken over the Philadelphia-to-Doha route, restoring nonstop service between the two cities after American's departure.

Regarding the cancellation of service to Santa Maria , American Airlines said the decision was based on performance.

American Airlines operated service to Santa Maria, California, under its American Eagle brand through a partnership with SkyWest Airlines, a spokesperson from the company told local outlet KEYT earlier this year.

INNOCENT MISTAKE ON LONG FLIGHT COULD HAVE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES FOR TRAVELERS "Unfortunately, flights to SMX did not meet performance expectations and SkyWest informed American it will discontinue service as of May 7," the official said.

In June, American Airlines permanently cut its Philadelphia-to-Doha route after previously suspending flights due to regional hostilities, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

"As part of an optimization of our network and fleet, American has made the difficult decision to discontinue service to Doha, Qatar (DOH)," American Airlines spokesperson Bri Harper said in a statement to the outlet.

In August, American Airlines discontinued service to Tijuana, Mexico , after the route failed to meet performance expectations.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER American Airlines routinely reviews its routes to ensure "optimal deployment of aircraft," a spokesperson told aviation outlet AirlineGeeks, adding that service to Tijuana had not met "performance expectations." Fox News Digital reached out to American Airlines for further comment.

Steven Arroyo, an aviation safety expert and retired United Airlines captain based in Florida, told Fox News Digital that route cancellations are a common part of the airline business.