Key Takeaways
• Allegiant Air launches flights to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale from Columbia on May 15 and May 22, 2025.
• Spirit Airlines adds direct flights to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Newark starting June 2025, with fares from $50 one-way.
• These new nonstop routes increase choices, foster competition, and make travel easier for Columbia Metropolitan Airport passengers.
Travelers in South Carolina will soon find it easier to reach some of Florida’s most popular cities. Columbia Metropolitan Airport is adding new nonstop flight options to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. This growth signals a big step for air travel right from the heart of South Carolina. Both Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines are rolling out these new services, giving locals and visitors more choices and hopefully lower fares.
New Nonstop Options: What’s Coming and When
Columbia Metropolitan Airport, located in the state’s capital, has been working to connect more people to more places. Starting next year, passengers can expect some big changes.
Allegiant Air’s Arrival
Allegiant Air will launch its first flights out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport on May 15, 2025. The airline brings two main routes:
- On May 15, 2025, Allegiant Air will begin service to Orlando/Sanford (SFB).
- On May 22, 2025, the second route will start, connecting travelers directly to Fort Lauderdale (FLL).
These flights will occur twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays. This setup is perfect for people looking to plan weekend escapes or longer trips to two of Florida’s best-loved cities. Allegiant Air is known for this kind of scheduling, which many families, vacationers, and visiting college students will appreciate.
Spirit Airlines Expands the Choices
In June 2025, Spirit Airlines will make its debut at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Spirit isn’t just adding one or two routes but is bringing three direct connections:
- Orlando (MCO) starts June 5, 2025, with flights three times a week.
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) starts June 6, 2025, also three times a week.
- Newark (EWR), serving the wider New York City area, kicks in on June 5, 2025, with four flights each week.
Spirit’s schedule spreads flights throughout the week. For example, Newark gets four opportunities, while Florida’s big cities get three each. This level of service means travelers have more options to fit almost any travel plan, whether it’s a short business trip, a family visit, or a vacation.
Fare Deals and Travel Details
Spirit Airlines is making a strong first impression by offering an introductory fare of $50 one-way for its new service. This special price is available for trips taken between June 5 and August 12, 2025, as long as the ticket is bought by March 20, 2025, and at least 14 days before traveling. Deals like this can make a family getaway much more affordable and are also likely to push other airlines to keep their prices competitive.
Allegiant Air’s twice-weekly flights, though not part of a special launch fare as Spirit is offering, are also known for being low-cost. The addition of these airlines brings in more competition, which usually helps keep prices down and gives customers a reason to look for the best deal.
Why the Expansion Matters
Columbia Metropolitan Airport has up to now served eight nonstop destinations. Adding these flights gives travelers in the region more direct options and avoids the need to connect through larger, busier airports. It’s not just about going somewhere new—it’s about making travel less stressful and quicker.
Key Voices on the Expansion
Both airline and airport leaders have spoken out about what these new flights mean for the city and the region.
John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines, said these new routes will “deliver a great value to visit some of the most popular leisure destinations along the East Coast.” His words point out that cities like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale have long been favorites for families, beach lovers, and theme park fans.
Gregg Hornsby, the interim President and CEO (and also CFO) at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, called the success in getting Spirit Airlines to launch service “a significant accomplishment for the airport and likewise a big win for this entire community and region.” This shows just how important it is for a city to be well-connected—jobs, tourism, and quality of life all go up when flying is easier and more affordable.
What Travelers Gain
Greater connectivity isn’t just a buzzword. For people in and around Columbia, these direct routes bring real benefits:
- Saves time: Nonstop flights mean no layovers or switching planes, cutting hours off the trip.
- Increases convenience: Flights to Florida help families, vacationers, and business people plan with fewer headaches.
- More affordable rates: Competition tends to push airfares down. With both Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines providing options, travelers can compare and get better deals.
- Weekend trip possibilities: The Thursday and Sunday schedule from Allegiant Air is smartly timed for people looking for a quick getaway. Spirit’s multiple flights each week allow for flexibility in planning.
Possible Impacts on the Community
Whenever an airport attracts new airlines and offers more flights, the local community often sees a series of benefits:
- More tourism: Direct flights invite people from other places to visit. Visitors bring spending to hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Columbia and beyond.
- Stronger job market: With more flights, the airport may need more staff, ground crews, and support workers. Taxi drivers, hotel employees, and others in the service sector often see more business.
- Better access for local businesses: Businesspeople now get more direct links to other cities—especially to Florida’s business centers and Newark in the northeast.
- Boost for students and families: Young people studying or working out of state, or families living apart, now find it easier to stay connected.
Industry Perspective: Why Airlines Pick Columbia
For airlines like Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines, deciding to add Columbia Metropolitan Airport to their list of cities is likely a bet on the city’s growth and potential. Columbia sits at the heart of South Carolina, drawing travelers from nearby cities and towns as well.
The area has experienced population growth in recent years. With large universities, military bases, and growth in both technology and health sectors, there’s a steady mix of people flying for school, work, or family reasons. Airlines often check these kinds of facts when they decide where to launch new flights.
Broader Patterns in U.S. Air Travel
This announcement also reflects a larger pattern in air travel in the United States 🇺🇸, where more airlines are adding “point-to-point” flights—direct links between smaller or mid-sized cities and big vacation spots. Rather than forcing everyone through giant hubs, airlines are meeting the demand for easier, quicker travel.
Especially after changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people now prefer direct flights—less time in busy airports, less risk of lost luggage, and a smoother trip from start to finish. Columbia Metropolitan Airport is joining this wider trend, helping make flying accessible and straightforward for more people.
Details for Travelers: Planning Your Trip
If you are already thinking about a vacation in Florida, or a trip to New Jersey, here’s how these changes can help:
- Check your days: Allegiant Air flies Thursdays and Sundays, while Spirit Airlines offers more frequent flights. Set a reminder to see which days work for you.
- Watch your wallet: Take note of early-booking deals, especially Spirit’s $50 fare, and book in advance. Compare with Allegiant’s typical fares—both airlines work differently from the major carriers, often charging lower base fares but adding fees for extras.
- Travel light: Both Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines keep fares low by charging extra for larger bags, seat assignments, and food. Plan ahead to keep your costs down.
- Book at the right places: Always use the official websites for up-to-date flight info and tickets. You can visit the official Columbia Metropolitan Airport site to view all airlines, schedules, and tips for travelers.
What This Means for the Future
People using Columbia Metropolitan Airport will soon have more options than ever before. This could have ripple effects beyond just a few extra flights:
- Airfare wars: With two low-cost carriers at the airport, prices may drop even for other airlines. The increase in choices may make Columbia a preferred starting point for travelers in the region.
- Attracting more airlines: If Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines see enough demand, they may add more routes in the future. Other airlines may decide to bring their own services as well.
- Business growth: More flights make Columbia a more attractive city for companies thinking about investing or opening new offices.
Addressing Possible Concerns
Every change brings questions, and expanding flight services is no different. Some residents may worry about noise from more flights or about the environmental impact. Others may wonder if there’s enough support for the increased passenger traffic.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport and both airlines will need to show they can manage the increase safely. This includes keeping up with security, cleanliness, and making sure there’s enough parking and transport. The airport’s official site provides details on facilities and ongoing modernization projects, which can help answer many questions.
What’s Next for Columbia Metropolitan Airport
With these new services, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is not just adding flights—it’s giving its community new options for business and fun. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these kinds of expansions are often seen as strong signs of a city’s growth, making it easier to attract visitors, business travelers, and new residents.
Over the next months, watch for:
- Updates about flight schedules as Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines set up operations.
- Community plans as the airport works with local leaders to prepare for more visitors.
- Economic changes as new dollars flow into the region thanks to easier travel.
Key Takeaways
Here’s what you need to remember about the big changes at Columbia Metropolitan Airport:
- Allegiant Air starts flights to Orlando/Sanford and Fort Lauderdale in May 2025, twice a week.
- Spirit Airlines begins flights in June 2025 to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Newark, with multiple flights each week.
- Low fares and higher flexibility are on the way, especially with Spirit’s limited-time $50 fare.
- Local voices in the airline and airport industry believe this is a big win for South Carolina’s capital and surrounding areas.
- Travelers in Columbia and nearby cities now get more choices, less stress, and better value.
As more people start flying from Columbia Metropolitan Airport, the region stands to gain from more visitors, more jobs, and a stronger reputation as a travel hub. The coming year will show just how big of a difference these flights can make for travelers and the local economy alike.
Learn Today
Nonstop flight → A flight that travels directly from origin to destination without any layovers or connections at other airports.
Introductory fare → A special, discounted ticket price offered by airlines to launch or promote new routes, often for a limited period.
Point-to-point flight → A direct connection between two cities, avoiding hubs, letting travelers fly easily between smaller or mid-sized destinations.
Consular services → Governmental services provided by consulates, such as issuing visas or documents, located in major cities like Orlando or Newark.
Connectivity → The availability and quality of transportation links, such as flights, making it easier for people to travel between locations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Big changes are coming to Columbia Metropolitan Airport in 2025. Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines are launching new nonstop flights to Florida and Newark, offering more convenience, flexibility, and cheaper fares. These additions boost local tourism, business, and job opportunities, while passengers enjoy direct routes and affordable ticket deals.
— By VisaVerge.com
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