(AP) — Scottsbluff airport officials fear flight cancellations by Great Lakes Airlines could anger more customers, costing the airport boardings and, ultimately, federal funding.

The airline has canceled nearly two dozen flights out of Western Nebraska Regional Airport over the past few months.

Officials say new federal safety and training rules has caused a shortage of pilots for Great Lakes and other airlines.

Airport director Darwin Skelton says the airport might not reach a target of 10,000 annual boardings by the end of the year. Failure to reach the threshold could cost the airport $850,000 in federal funding.

A public conference concerning the flight cancellations and other topics will be held at the airport starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday.