Patriot Express flights to and from Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, shown here, will be discontinued beginning Oct. 1, 2025, according to U.S. Transportation Command. Also losing Patriot Express service are Naval Support Activity Naples and Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy; Naval Station Rota, Spain; and Naval Activity Souda Bay, Greece, a July 1 command statement said. (U.S. Air Force)

Bimonthly Patriot Express flights at five overseas locations will end this fall due to low ridership, according to U.S. Transportation Command.

Service will be discontinued starting Oct. 1 at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; Naval Support Activity Naples and Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy; Naval Station Rota, Spain; and Naval Activity Souda Bay, Greece, the command said in a statement Tuesday.

The Patriot Express is a commercial charter contracted by the Defense Department that provides flights to personnel on official duty, which can include moves and personal leave. Family members also may use the flights.

An analysis of the number of passengers using the service at the five locations did not justify the expense of contracting dedicated flights when compared with readily available commercial air travel, the statement said.

“The Patriot Express usage rates gave us the real story; air travel isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.” said Rear Adm. Christopher Stone, TRANSCOM’s strategic plans, policy and logistics director. “Commercial options offer availability, speed, and cost-effectiveness for those who support the mission at these locations.”