While Spirit Airlines has been making headlines with its recent bankruptcy filing, Allegiant is flying high with the largest expansion in its history.
The Las Vegas-based ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) unveiled plans this week to launch 44 new routes, introduce three new cities to its network, and expand its reach to nearly 500 routes across 124 destinations in 40 states.
The new routes aim to connect underserved communities with popular leisure destinations, a hallmark of Allegiant’s strategy. Eleven of these new routes will serve the three newly added cities—Gulf Shores, Alabama (GUF), Colorado Springs, Colorado (COS), and Columbia, South Carolina (CAE).
Unsurprisingly, Florida is the Big Winner in this Allegiant Expansion
Beyond the new cities, Allegiant is adding routes from several existing markets. Florida sees the largest share of growth with ten new routes, further solidifying its status as a key leisure destination for the airline. Notably, Allegiant will operate 39 of the 44 new routes exclusively, with seven routes being the only ULCC option available to passengers.
Most new routes will operate twice weekly, with select routes running once weekly. Flights will begin between February and June 2025, and the carrier’s expansion reflects its confidence in “robust leisure demand,” as stated by a carrier spokesperson.
All city pairs will see twice-weekly service unless otherwise noted.
New Cities
- Colorado Springs Airport (COS) to:
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA): Starts 12 Feb.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA): Starts 13 Feb.
- St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE): Starts 14 Feb.
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to:
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): Starts 15 May
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Starts 22 May
- Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) to:
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Starts 21 May
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG): Starts 22 May
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): Starts 22 May
- Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA): Starts 22 May
- MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV): Starts 23 May
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI): Starts 24 May
Existing Cities
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to:
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): Starts 7 Feb
- Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) to:
- Punta Gorda Airport (PGD): Starts Feb. 13
- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to:
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP): Starts 13 Feb
- Quad Cities International Airport (MLI): Starts 13 Feb
- Albany International Airport (ALB): Starts 14 Feb
- Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM): Starts 14 Feb
- Eppley Airfield (OMA): Starts 14 Feb
- Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA): Starts 14 Feb
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Starts 14 Feb
- Blue Grass Airport (LEX) to:
- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ): Starts 3 Apr
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to:
- Huntington Tri-State Airport (HTS): Starts 15 May
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE): Starts 22 May
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) to:
- Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG): Starts 15 May
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR): Starts 22 May
- Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG): Starts 22 May
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to:
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): Starts 22 May
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): Starts 23 May
- Nashville International Airport (BNA) to:
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV): Starts 22 May
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to:
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): Starts 22 May
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Starts 23 May
- Denver International Airport (DEN) to:
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA): Starts 22 May
- Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK): Starts 22 May
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to:
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): Starts 22 May
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Starts 23 May
- Portland International Airport (PDX) to:
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): Starts 22 May
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG): Starts 23 May
- Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT): Starts 23 May
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND): Starts 23 May
- Dulles International Airport (IAD) to:
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): Starts 22 May
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): Starts 23 May
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS): Starts 24 May (1x weekly)
- Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Starts 20 Jun
- Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) to:
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): Starts 23 May
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS): Starts 24 May (1x weekly)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to:
- Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT): Starts 23 May
- Spokane International Airport (GEG) to:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Starts 23 May
Breaking Down Allegiant’s Historic Expansion
Allegiant Air’s historic growth plan isn’t just about numbers—it’s a strategic effort to solidify its dominance in the ULCC market. Here’s a closer look at the highlights and what they mean for travelers and the aviation industry.
Focus on Underserved Communities
Allegiant’s strategy targets regions with limited air travel options, providing direct connections to popular vacation spots. This approach differentiates the airline from traditional carriers that focus on major hubs. For example:
Gulf Shores, Alabama (GUF): A major highlight of this expansion, Gulf Shores gets an impressive six routes right from the start. These connections bring leisure travelers closer to the Gulf Coast’s beaches and vibrant culture. It also underscores Allegiant’s intent to invest heavily in smaller markets with untapped potential.
Colorado Springs, Colorado (COS): Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, COS offers an attractive gateway for outdoor enthusiasts. Allegiant’s introduction of flights to Arizona, Florida, and California caters to both local leisure travelers and inbound visitors.
Columbia, South Carolina (CAE): As the state capital, CAE opens up travel opportunities between South Carolina and Florida’s tourist hotspots. Allegiant’s low-cost service is a welcome addition to a city that lacks ULCC options.
Bolstering Options for Budget-Minded Travelers
Allegiant’s dominance is evident in the fact that 39 of the 44 new routes will be operated solely by the airline, with seven routes being the only ULCC service available. This monopoly in certain regions strengthens Allegiant’s competitive edge.
Furthermore, Florida—one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S.—is a cornerstone of this expansion. With ten new routes connecting cities like Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, Allegiant is bolstering its popularity for budget-conscious vacationers to the Sunshine State.
Allegiant Expansion Follows Delivery of Two Boeing 737 MAX 8s
Allegiant’s fleet, which has historically relied on Airbus aircraft, recently welcomed the addition of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. In September, the airline received its first Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 (N811NV), followed by its second (N814NV) on 21 November.
- Why the MAX?
- The MAX 8-200 offers increased seating capacity and fuel efficiency, aligning with Allegiant’s low-cost model. Each aircraft includes 190 seats, 21 of which are premium Allegiant Extra, offering more legroom.
- Challenges and Delays
- Allegiant’s 2022 MAX order promised a fleet upgrade, but delays with Boeing have slowed progress. While Allegiant has 50 MAX aircraft on firm order–plus options for up to 80 more–ongoing delivery delays mean no further additions are expected this year. Despite receiving its second MAX 8 this week, the carrier does not expect any additional deliveries this year. For now, Allegiant is focusing its MAX aircraft on routes to and from Florida.
- Balancing Airbus and Boeing
- Allegiant’s fleet has been all Airbus since 2018, following the retirement of the carrier’s Boeing 757s in 2017 and MD-80s in 2018. At this time, Allegiant’s Airbus fleet includes 34 Airbus A319-100s and 84 Airbus A320-200s.
Allegiant Makes Its Move Amid a Turbulent ULCC Climate
Launching this massive expansion just as Spirit Airlines grapples with bankruptcy isn’t coincidental. Allegiant is positioning itself to capture market share as Spirit navigates restructuring under Chapter 11 while doubling down on its unique approach to leisure travel.
This is particularly significant given the current turbulent climate within the ULCC sector. And it’s not just Allegiant: Frontier Airlines and Avelo Air are embarking on expansion plans in the near term. Additionally, Breeze Airways continues to grow.
Allegiant’s expansion plan is significant in that it is a game-changer for the ULCC sector in a time of great uncertainty. However, by staying true to its mission of serving underserved markets and embracing new opportunities with its evolving fleet, Allegiant is charting a course for sustained growth.
For travelers, it’s a win-win scenario: more routes, lower fares, and greater connectivity to the places they want to escape to.
