By DAVID KOENIG
AP Airlines Writer
DALLAS – Already struggling with high fuel prices, the big U.S. airlines now face a drop in demand for flights to Japan, a lucrative route and gateway for travel to Asia.
The airlines’ response: They’re raising fares and eliminating unprofitable flights.
Delta Air Lines Inc. said Tuesday it will reduce flying to Japan by up to 20 percent through May because of falling demand as the country recovers from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Delta said the cuts will cost it $250 million to $400 million in lost profit.