A small airport that only has passenger flights from Macon to Atlanta may lose federal subsidies after ticket sales lagged last year.

Georgia Skies flew less than 3,000 passengers between the cities in 2009 from Middle Georgia Regional Airport. Now, federal Department of Transportation officials are considering lowering the $466-per-passenger subsidy or doing away with it altogether, which would eliminate passenger air travel from Macon altogether.

Macon is a little more than an hour from Atlanta's airport, so most travelers prefer to drive. The airport also is considering bids from other small airlines for flights between Macon and other destinations, like Orlando, Fla., to help woo travelers.

Federal officials are expected to make a decision next month on the subsidies.

Tags: Department of Transportation, Macon Airport, Georgia Skies Airline, Middle Georgia Regional Airport