Grand Forks International Airport has announced that Allegiant Airlines will temporarily suspend its service from Grand Forks to Las Vegas starting in May 2024. The decision is part of a broader systemwide adjustment by Allegiant, which is not directly linked to its recent merger with Sun Country Airlines.
Changes in Flight Schedule
According to Ryan Riesinger, the executive director of Grand Forks International Airport, the airline informed the airport last week of the upcoming changes. Allegiant is reportedly experiencing a decline in passenger numbers to Las Vegas, with estimates indicating a drop of approximately 20% in travelers flying between Grand Forks and the bustling city.
“This adjustment is more relevant to a systemwide change for Allegiant,” Riesinger stated. “They have been experiencing fewer visitors to Las Vegas, and their overall system has made some cuts.” He expressed optimism regarding the potential reinstatement of the service in the fall, as Allegiant has indicated that it expects the route to return by then.
The fall schedule for Allegiant typically begins in October. Riesinger noted that it remains unclear whether the flights will resume as a continuous service or merely as seasonal options. “Allegiant schedules out in four-month sections, based on their projections,” he explained. “It is an ongoing process to be able to compete for that service.”
Impact of the Merger and Future Prospects
Allegiant’s acquisition of Sun Country Airlines, finalized on January 11, 2024 in a deal valued at $1.5 billion, is estimated to serve 22 million customers across 175 cities. Currently, Allegiant operates seasonal flights from Grand Forks to Orlando/Sanford and continuous flights to Mesa and Las Vegas. The recent downturn in Las Vegas tourism, reported by several outlets, includes a 9% drop in visitors in September 2023 compared to the previous year and an 11% decline in June.
Brandon Bochenski, the mayor of Grand Forks, has indicated that city leaders are scheduled to meet with Allegiant representatives in February 2024. Discussions may cover potential new routes, including a flight from Grand Forks to Minneapolis-St. Paul. “If that’s a possibility, that would be really great,” Bochenski stated. In response to the need for more flight options, he established an Air Service Task Force in October 2023 to enhance connectivity.
In addition to Allegiant’s services, Delta Airlines has recently announced plans to increase its flights to Minneapolis, with one additional daily flight starting in April 2025. Members of the Air Service Task Force are also hopeful that United Airlines will introduce regular flights to Denver soon.
As discussions continue, Riesinger reaffirmed that the airport is actively collaborating with airlines to improve service offerings and adapt to changing travel demands.
