Budget carrier Allegiant Air has announced the addition of 10 new routes across 14 different airports. This expansion includes both domestic and international destinations and aims to cater to passengers and communities that have been overlooked by other carriers.
The big winners in this announcement were Allegiant’s bases in Los Angeles and Knoxville, Tennessee, each landing three new nonstop routes. Other destinations receiving multiple new routes include the Florida airports serving Jacksonville and St. Petersburg.
Allegiant has stated that it will be the only carrier offering nonstop service on all 10 of the new routes. This is a significant advantage for the airline, as it allows them to cater to travelers who prefer direct flights and avoid layovers.
Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief revenue officer, expressed excitement about the expansion and highlighted the airline’s unique business model. Allegiant focuses on connecting small-to-medium sized cities to vacation destinations, creating accessible travel options that are not otherwise available in underserved markets.
In addition to the more popular airports, Allegiant’s expansion also includes new flights from two secondary airports in their network. Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) will receive twice-weekly nonstop flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). While several airlines already offer nonstop flights between Chicago and Los Angeles, Allegiant will be the only carrier flying this route from RFD. It’s worth noting that RFD is located about 85 miles west of downtown Chicago, positioning itself as an alternative airport to the much busier O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW).
The other secondary airport receiving new Allegiant service is MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV), located near Belleville, Illinois, about 25 miles from downtown St. Louis. This airport opened to commercial flights in the late 1990s to alleviate overcrowding concerns at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). However, declining flights at STL left the airport operating below its capacity. Allegiant is currently the only airline with regularly scheduled passenger service at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
The full schedule details for all 10 new routes can be found on Allegiant’s website. These routes will be available starting in June, with varying frequencies depending on the destination.
Allegiant’s expansion is a positive development for travelers in underserved markets and those looking for affordable, nonstop flights. The airline’s unique business model and focus on vacation destinations make it an attractive option for leisure travelers. With this expansion, Allegiant aims to provide accessible travel options and connect more passengers to their desired destinations.