Airline adds new SGF flight to begin this fall

Allegiant Air (Nasdaq: ALGT) has committed to adding a new flight destination at Springfield-Branson National Airport, which would begin this fall.

Starting Oct. 31, Allegiant will provide nonstop service flights to Punta Gorda, Fla., which is about a 30-minute drive north of Ft. Meyers. The Punta Gorda route represents the airline's sixth at SGF; it also flies to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Orlando, Fla., and Tampa, Fla., according to a news release.

“The addition of this new service is very good news — especially in light of what’s happening to communities across the country, as airlines reduce and cut service,” SGF Director of Aviation Brian Weiler said in the release. “The addition of new service, on a low-cost airline, tells me the Springfield air market is strong.”

Allegiant, which launched Springfield service in 2005 to Las Vegas and in June of that year flew 3,600 Springfield passengers, this June flew 20,900 Springfield passengers. SGF also carries service from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and United Airlines.