Airport announces new direct destination

Springfield-Branson National Airport this morning announced that nonstop jet service to Tampa Bay, Fla., will begin Dec. 13.

Allegiant Air will offer flights to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Tampa Bay area is a top destination along Florida’s west coast nationally recognized for its beaches and resorts.

Flights will depart Springfield at 6:35 p.m. and arrive in Tampa Bay at 9:45 p.m., and flights will depart Tampa Bay at 4:40 p.m. and arrive in Springfield at 6 p.m., all Central time.

An introductory rate of $59 each way will be available for flights purchased by Oct. 7 for travel to Tampa Bay through Jan. 31. The discount is not available on all flights or dates; after the promotion ends, fares will begin at $79 each way.

Tampa Bay is not Allegiant’s first vacation destination offered at the Springfield airport. The Las Vegas-based airline began providing nonstop service to Las Vegas and Orlando last year.

In addition to Allegiant’s destinations, the Springfield airport offers direct service to Chicago; Cincinnati; Atlanta; Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas; Denver; Detroit; Memphis, Tenn.; and Minneapolis.