United justified in leaving Cleveland, audit finds

When United Airlines abandoned its Cleveland hub 2 years ago, the move left the region reeling. It came as unwelcome news to a city already bracing for the worst. That move left Cleveland Hopkins International with fewer nonstop flights and a significantly weakened United presence. As part of the agreement established in 2010 when the two airlines merged, the state Attorney General's office reserved the right to have an independent audit performed if United ever removed its local hub. That audit was completed in March of this year and the results released to the city in the past week. The audit found that the market conditions did exist for United to de-hub Cleveland, a location the airline had said was unprofitable. That means United met the terms of the agreement and was justified in leaving. <br/>