American Airlines plans to suspend direct flights from Bakersfield’s Meadows Field Airport to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport from February through May, according to county officials. 

County spokesperson Erin Briscoe Clarke said airport officials confirmed the pause, which they said occurred at the same time last year. 

American did not immediately respond to request for comment Monday. 

Ray Watson, a local travel agent with Uniglobe Golden Empire Travel, said the seasonal suspension of service didn’t always lead to cancellation, but noted Bakersfield is a difficult market for airlines. 

“I trust the fact they’re likely to come back. There’s enough industry here to fill their planes,” Watson said. 

Meadows Field loses a lot of business to the Los Angeles area, a competitive area able to offer lower fares, Watson said. More people flying out of Bakersfield could encourage existing carriers to add more service, but Watson acknowledged the added cost can be too much for some customers.

“I think our business travelers are able to do it. I think it’s hard for a family of four,” Watson said. “It is so convenient, being at home in an hour instead of four.”