By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Allegiant announced on Thursday that it would add a new nonstop flight between Rockford and Nashville next year.
The flights between Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and Nashville International Airport (BNA) begin on May 16.
“We have heard loud and clear from our community that they want the opportunity to fly to more destinations, and we have worked tirelessly to provide this option to them,” said Zack Oakley, deputy director of planning and operations and incoming executive director at RFD.
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The Rockford route was one of 12 new nonstop routes at different airports around the country that the airline announced.
“We are thrilled to offer Allegiant travelers new destination options taking off this Spring. The announcement of new service is a celebration of the success we’ve had in these markets,” Drew Wells, Allegiant’s senior vice president of revenue and planning and chief revenue officer, said in a news release.
The company said in a news release that flights purchased by Friday for travel by Aug. 12 qualify for an introductory one-way rate of $49. You can check flight schedules and book at allegiantair.com.
Allegiant also flies out of Rockford to Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, and four locations in Florida: Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers and Sarasota.
Expanding flight offerings is a strategic goal for RFD, Oakley said. However, attracting airlines to commit to a new airport route involves several factors, including market demand and economic feasibility.
“The Rockford region’s market meets that demand,” Oakley said. “For our current partner airline Allegiant Air, RFD passengers fill 90% of flights, the most of any other airport serviced by Allegiant.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas