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Five Patriot Express Routes Closing October 1

As of October 1st 2025, five of the Patriot Express routes will no longer be serviced. While this is disappointing, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has its reasons. These routes include:

  • NAS Naples, Italy

  • NAS Sigonella, Italy

  • NAVSTA Rota, Spain

  • NSA Souda Bay, Greece

  • Incirlik AB, Turkey


"U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) announced Patriot Express (PE) flight service at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy; Naval Station Rota, Spain; Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy; and Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, will end effective October 1, 2025.


The decision follows a comprehensive analysis of passenger flights, part of the Command’s continuous process of balancing mission requirements with costs.


The study revealed low ridership on PE flights at certain locations did not justify the expense of contracting dedicated flights when compared to readily available commercial air travel options.


The study showed significant cost avoidance by utilizing commercial flights instead of supplementing with bi-monthly PE flights at the five closing locations. This change will positively impact the transportation working capital fund, which supports the movement of the Joint Force.


'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, USTRANSCOM’s strategic plans, policy and logistics director. 'Commercial options offer availability, speed, and cost-effectiveness for those who support the mission at these locations.'


USTRANSCOM emphasizes proper planning will ensure commercial flights adequately meet the needs of DoD travelers. The command encourages service members and civilian employees to work with their installation travel offices and their chains of command to understand available options and manage travel expectations." ~ USTRANSCOM Public Affairs



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