Blaming soaring fuel costs, ExpressJet Airlines announced July 10 it will discontinue its non-stop service from Santa Barbara Airport to Sacramento and San Diego as of Sept. 1. All ExpressJet cities are being closed, airline officials announced July 10.

ExpressJet President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Ream said, "If we had any other choice, we would not take this difficult action. However, rising fuel prices has made the operation impossible to sustain."

Tickets on ExpressJet Airlines for travel prior to Sept. 2 will not be affected. In fact, ExpressJet will continue selling tickets to travelers prior to Sept. 2.

Customers holding tickets for a flight after Sept. 1 should contact ExpressJet Reservations to request a refund. ExpressJet has stopped selling tickets for travel beyond Sept. 2.

ExpressJet officials said gthe arilines’ service from Santa Barbara to Sacramento is especially popular with 80 percent average load factors. They began service in Santa Barbara in November 2007, but were not able to make a profit because of fuel costs.