Delta cutting air fares at Cincinnati airport

CINCINNATI – Delta Air Lines, struggling to avoid bankruptcy reorganization and recoup business lost to low-fare competitors, said Thursday it will reduce fares by as much as 60 percent for flights out of its Cincinnati hub.

No Cincinnati fare, including last-minute walk-ups, will be higher than $499 one-way in economy or $599 one-way in first class within the 48 contiguous states, Delta officials said. International flights are not involved. A Saturday night stay-over will not be required.

Unrestricted fares at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport will drop by as much as 60 percent on some routes, Delta said in announcing its SimpliFares program. The new fares apply only to flights through Cincinnati.

Competitors including America West and US Airways have already undertaken similar fare cutting.

Delta subsidiary Comair flies from Bangor International Airport to Cincinnati.