Allegiant Air is gearing up to expand its flight network significantly, adding eight new nonstop routes from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) starting February 2025. This expansion is particularly exciting for local travelers, offering them more options for leisure travel across the nation.
The new routes will take passengers to various destinations including Albany and Elmira in New York, Greenville, South Carolina, Knoxville, Tennessee, Lexington, Kentucky, Moline, Illinois, Omaha, Nebraska, and Roanoke, Virginia. With these new additions, Allegiant will operate 35 nonstop flights from SRQ, bringing the total number of nonstop flights at the airport to 67, served by 11 different airlines.
Rick Piccolo, the president and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, shared his enthusiasm about the new routes. "We’re excited to see Allegiant expand its offerings as we approach the grand opening of our new Concourse A, which will provide enhanced amenities to travelers. The increased number of nonstop destinations highlights the growing demand for air travel from our region," he stated.
This expansion is happening at a time when SRQ is undergoing significant renovations. The airport is currently experiencing upgrades which include the construction of a brand-new terminal covering 75,300 square feet, along with additional boarding gates and security features scheduled to open by January 15, 2025.
Notably, SRQ had faced challenges recently, particularly from Hurricane Milton, which caused severe damage to Concourse B. The storm not only left the airport closed for five days but also led to substantial repair costs, amounting to around $4 million. Despite these setbacks, the facility has continued its expansion plans, drawing on the need to accommodate increased travel demands.
But Allegiant hasn't just stopped at Sarasota. The airline is simultaneously launching new routes from Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) in Florida, with introductory fares as low as $59. Flights to Jacksonville will begin operating on May 23, 2025, with the Destin routes following just the day after. This provides budget-friendly options for travelers from Northeast Ohio, who will now find it easier to access popular Florida destinations.
Allegiant's chief commercial officer, Drew Wells, emphasized the focus on providing inexpensive travel solutions for leisure seekers. He pointed out, "By connecting more cities, we’re making it easier for travelers to visit family and friends, access top leisure destinations, and create new memories. Our low-cost fares and nonstop flights make Allegiant the top choice for leisure travelers caught between offering quality service and reduced travel expenses."
This announcement is part of Allegiant's broader strategy which includes 44 new nonstop routes across the United States and adds to their competitive edge against other low-cost carriers which are also ramping up service from various airports. This surge of new routes highlights the airline's commitment to catering to demand for affordable family-friendly travel, especially to warmer destinations like Florida.
For those eager to take advantage of these new flight options, Allegiant is running a special promotion with bargain airlines offering one-way fares starting at $39 for select travel dates, making it imperative for interested travelers to secure their tickets before prices rise.
With travelers searching for ways to escape the colder temperatures of the Northern United States, the increase of low-cost flights to sunny locales speaks volumes about the airline’s commitment to meeting traveler needs and enhancing their services amid rising competition. Whether you're planning your next family vacation or just want to soak up the sun, the options available highlight the ease of travel out of these airports.
These new developments at both SRQ and CAK are exciting for air travelers who have endured years marked by pandemic restrictions and numerous disruptions due to natural disasters. Allegiant Air's enhanced network of flights not only reconnects these regions but also bridges communities, supporting local economies as travel continues to rebound. Travelers can look forward to venturing to new locales with convenience and affordability.
The forthcoming years will surely bring transformations for Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and Akron-Canton Airport as they respond to growing travel needs. With Allegiant Air’s ambitious expansion plans and the airport's significant renovations, passengers can expect smoother, more efficient travel experiences as they navigate new routes from Sarasota to various destinations, making their travel planning much easier.
