Huntsville takes flight: Allegiant Air launches new Orlando service

Travelers in North Alabama have a fresh way to reach Central Florida: Allegiant Air’s inaugural nonstop from Huntsville to Orlando Sanford has taken off, marking a new chapter in the region’s low-fare leisure travel. The debut flight lifted spirits—and suitcases—as excited passengers filled the terminal for a sunshine-bound getaway.

Inaugural flight lifts off for Orlando Sanford

The first departure connected Huntsville International Airport directly with Orlando Sanford International Airport, giving families, vacationers, and theme-park goers another nonstop option to the Orlando area. The launch drew a lively crowd and a celebratory mood at the gate, with passengers eager to board and airport staff highlighting what the added service means for convenience and choice.

Airport officials emphasized that the new route widens the local map for quick escapes to Florida, trimming travel time and simplifying weekend and school-break planning for North Alabama residents. With the new offering, flyers can now choose between multiple carriers to reach Orlando without a connection.

More choice and competitive fares

Local leaders touted the service as a boost for consumer choice and pricing power. “This is going to give us two more days during the week that folks can fly to Orlando nonstop from Huntsville. It gives them a second airline to choose from. We already have nonstop flights on Breeze. We’re really excited about the competitiveness in the fares and the availability of more flights for our customers here,” Mary Swanstrom said.

That added competition is expected to benefit travelers through expanded schedules and fare options, particularly for peak leisure periods. The move also underscores a broader push to match the region’s growth with more point-to-point destinations that suit family travel and quick getaways.

New Florida routes begin May 21

The Orlando Sanford launch is just the first phase of Allegiant’s expansion at Huntsville. Two additional nonstop routes are scheduled to begin on May 21, connecting Huntsville directly with St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport and Gulf Shores. The added flights round out a trio of Florida getaways tailored to beachgoers and vacationers seeking convenient, short-haul trips.

By spacing service across multiple Florida airports, the expansion gives travelers flexibility in choosing their ideal destination—from Gulf Coast sands to Central Florida attractions—without the need to change planes.

Inside the send-off at the terminal

Festivities around the inaugural departure set a celebratory tone, with travelers snapping photos and crews welcoming guests as they boarded. An inside look at the jet before takeoff underscored the excitement around a new option out of Huntsville, with many passengers opting for carry-ons and vacation-ready attire. The smooth onboarding and upbeat atmosphere reflected pent-up demand for additional nonstop leisure flights from the region.

For families juggling school calendars and for travelers planning long weekends, the timing and simplicity of a nonstop hop to Florida offer a clear appeal. The ability to skip a connection can also shave hours off the total journey, a notable gain for short trips.

What the expansion means for North Alabama travelers

The added service strengthens Huntsville’s profile as a convenient launchpad for regional leisure travel. Nonstops to Orlando Sanford, St. Pete–Clearwater, and Gulf Shores position the airport as a gateway to several of the Southeast’s most popular vacation spots, enhancing the case for residents to fly local rather than drive to larger hubs.

Beyond traveler convenience, more nonstop options can help stabilize schedules and diversify fare structures, often resulting in better deals across the market. With demand for getaways running strong, Huntsville’s expanding route map is poised to support both spontaneous trips and carefully planned family vacations from a hometown airport.

As the new flights settle into their regular rhythm, travelers can expect a broadened set of choices, with multiple carriers competing on popular leisure corridors. For many in North Alabama, that means a shorter path from boarding gate to beach towel—or theme-park turnstile—just in time for spring and summer travel.