Tweed - Part Two

Why the need for a longer runway?  We all know that US Air, now part of American Airlines, is the only service using Tweed. The plane being used is the Bombardier deHavilland Dash 8.  Tweed's main runway is 5,600 feet and this Dash 8 only requires 3,839 feet at full capacity.

As we already know from media reports the airport is looking to lengthen the main runway to reach 6,000 feet.  Back to the Dash 8, this aircraft has a range of 820 nautical miles, and can now reach some southern cities.  If this plane has that capability, and operate on short runways then why just Philly?  Why, financially not worth it with small passenger load and too slow.  That's understandable - its a small plane.

So what planes currently being flown by USAir, aka American Airlines, and  have a passenger capacity making it financially feasible and still use the 5,600 foor runway?  These planes are known as "regional jets" and have ranges to reach at least Atlanta.  USAir (AA) currently use various models of the Bombardier and those by Embraer.    

So why lengthen the runway?  There has to be something else wrong with Tweed that isn't being told.  What's wrong with its infrastructure, support services, etc.., that keep airlines from wanting to use Tweed.  Is it the terminal itself that is no good?  Or, could it be the still pending legal action brought against New Haven and the Airport Authority by Robinson Aviation back in 2009 that is standing in the way?  It has to be more than just a runway length issue.