The Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport has been forced to slash its $6.5 million project wish list in half as a result of Allegiant Air’s defection.

Several projects planned through 2018, including the $1.3 million first phase of a new terminal building, will now not move forward following the exodus of the airport’s sole commercial carrier.

A new terminal never was certain to be constructed, but it’s less likely with the airport lacking a commercial carrier.

“We really needed to have an airline to justify that expensive cost,” Airport Director Jason Licon said.

Allegiant Air stopped its flights from the airport to Las Vegas and Phoenix last month. Allegiant CEO Maury Gallagher blamed the lack of an air-traffic control tower and too many general aviation aircraft in Fort Collins skies. The withdrawal came after the airline had flown planes at the airport for nearly a decade and despite a 26-percent increase in the number of passengers boarding planes from the airport.

The airport boasts nearly 230 aircraft and more than 20 helicopters. It’s also home to a number of business jets, including ones owned by Woodward Inc., Crop Production Services,