It didn’t bode well when they canceled a mariachi band for the Jan. 8 launch of Memphis-to-Mexico City nonstop flights.

Delta Air Lines pulled the plug after running less than 20-percent full on four roundtrips out of Memphis International Airport in January.

The weekly, Saturday flight had been touted as an addition to Memphis’ international connections when it was announced last October.

But demand started off weak and never picked up. Starting this Saturday, Delta’s service from Memphis to the Mexican capital will connect in Atlanta.

“While we would like to continue offering the weekly nonstop to Mexico City, the demand for the service hasn’t been as expected,” Delta spokesman Kent Landers said. “Fewer than 20 percent of the seats were filled in the first month of service, and advance bookings continued to look weak.”

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority chairman Arnold Perl said, “Not every opportunity is right, and this was one of those. You can’t create a market if it’s not there.”

Delta made clear from the start it was testing demand for the offering, Perl said. “It’s encouraging that Delta wants to take a look at Memphis for different kinds of markets. It’s always better to be in the mix.”

The flight’s exit leaves Memphis with year-round, daily flights to Amsterdam on Delta and Toronto on Air Canada. Delta also flies seasonally to Cancun, Cozumel and Montego Bay.

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