(HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA) Allegiant Air will launch three new nonstop routes from Huntsville International Airport to Florida, marking the airline’s return to North Alabama after a 17-year gap. The first flight to Fort Lauderdale begins November 19, 2025, followed by Orlando Sanford on February 12, 2026, and St. Pete–Clearwater/Tampa on March 5, 2026. Allegiant is advertising one-way introductory fares “as low as $39,” and tickets are on sale now as the carrier extends its booking calendar through May 2026, according to an Aug. 12, 2025 company announcement corroborated by aviation and travel outlets.
New Florida routes and launch dates

- HSV–Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Starts Wednesday, November 19, 2025; fares advertised “as low as $39.”
- HSV–Orlando Sanford (SFB): Starts Thursday, February 12, 2026; fares advertised “as low as $39.”
- HSV–St. Pete–Clearwater/Tampa (PIE): Starts Thursday, March 5, 2026; fares advertised “as low as $39.”
Allegiant framed Huntsville’s addition as part of a five-route expansion touching eight U.S. cities, with Huntsville International Airport headlining three Florida links. The airline said the new flights connect “underserved communities with affordable, convenient travel options” and give North Alabama faster access to beaches and popular family attractions. Allegiant also told the Huntsville crowd that “today marks only the beginning of our investment in the community,” signaling plans to grow if demand holds.
HSV leaders described the move as a milestone for a region that has pushed to “Fly Huntsville First.” Board Chair Joey Ceci tied Allegiant’s return to strong local demand, while CEO Butch Roberts pointed to pent-up leisure travel and HSV’s recent honors. Huntsville International Airport won Newsweek Readers’ Choice “Best Small Airport” in both 2024 and 2025, recognition airport officials say helped draw airlines seeking reliable, cost-focused leisure markets.
Allegiant last flew from Huntsville in 2008, when it ended earlier service to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. The relaunch on Nov. 19, 2025 will reconnect North Alabama to South Florida without a long drive to larger airports. For many families, students, and grandparents visiting relatives in Florida, direct access from HSV reduces time on the highway to Nashville (BNA) or Birmingham (BHM). That matters most for weekend trips and school breaks, when short, point-to-point flights keep more time at the destination.
What travelers should know about fares, schedules, and fees
Allegiant operates a leisure-focused, low-frequency schedule. Most routes run 2–3 times weekly, often timed around popular travel days. Frequency can change by season, so travelers should check exact days and times when booking.
Allegiant’s launch fares “as low as $39” are limited and often tied to specific travel dates. The final price usually rises with add-ons such as:
- Seat selection
- Carry-on and checked bags
- Trip Flex or other flexibility products
To avoid surprises, review fees at checkout and compare the total cost, not just the base fare. For consumer protections and airline fee information, travelers can also consult the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection site at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer.
Practical steps for North Alabama flyers
- Book early to lock in lower promotional fares and preferred dates, especially for holidays and spring break.
- Check flight days carefully; Allegiant may fly, for example, Thursday/Sunday or Friday/Monday patterns that suit long weekends.
- Price bags in advance. Buying a carry-on or checked bag during booking is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
- Consider Trip Flex during checkout if you want the option to change dates with reduced fees.
- If traveling with young children or older relatives, confirm seat selection during booking to sit together.
Market impact and regional context
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Allegiant’s arrival as the market’s fifth carrier expands low-cost leisure options from Huntsville and helps keep fares competitive during peak travel windows. HSV handled more than 1.6 million passengers in 2024, serving an 18-county catchment across North Alabama and South-Central Tennessee. The Florida trio—South Florida via Fort Lauderdale, Tampa Bay/St. Pete beaches via PIE, and the Orlando area via Sanford—adds price-sensitive choices that fit family budgets and short breaks.
Allegiant’s executives say the expansion reduces time spent in airports and maximizes vacation time. Drew Wells, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, described the move as linking smaller communities to beach destinations in a way that keeps the trip simple. Kristen Schilling-Gonzales, Vice President of Planning & Revenue, told Huntsville residents that this is the start of a deeper commitment, praising the city’s growth and hospitality.
The network timing matters. With the booking window open through May 2026, travelers can plan for spring break and early summer soon after the first route launches. That extended schedule helps families map out school calendars and gives snowbirds clear options for shoulder-season trips. It also gives Allegiant an early read on demand patterns that could shape frequency decisions in the spring.
Why Sanford, FLL and PIE matter for HSV travelers
- Orlando Sanford (SFB): While north of Orlando, Sanford often offers easier parking, shorter lines, and lower costs for budget-focused travelers compared with Orlando International (MCO).
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Reconnects North Alabama to South Florida’s cruise terminals and beaches.
- St. Pete–Clearwater/Tampa (PIE): Puts the region’s Gulf Coast beaches within quick reach, with a direct flight replacing a full-day drive for many families.
Ticketing and trip planning details
- Booking channel: Allegiant.com lists flight days, times, and the lowest available fares for each route. Promotional seats can sell out fast.
- Travel periods:
- HSV–FLL starts Nov. 19, 2025
- HSV–SFB starts Feb. 12, 2026
- HSV–PIE starts Mar. 5, 2026
- Frequency: Expect 2–3 weekly flights typical of Allegiant’s model; verify exact days as schedules post.
- Policies: Review carry-on and checked bag rules, priority boarding, seat selection, and any change options during checkout.
Regional and national media, including The Points Guy, AeroTime, and TravelPulse, reported the same launch dates and the $39 promotional positioning. Local outlets 256 Today and Hville Blast covered the HSV press event and highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for the return of Allegiant Air.
Broader network context and next steps
The Huntsville additions form part of Allegiant’s broader Aug. 12, 2025 announcement spanning eight U.S. cities. Other same-day reveals included Appleton–Orlando Sanford and Rochester–Sarasota/Bradenton, pointing to a continued Florida focus across the network. While Allegiant executives hinted at more growth in North Alabama, no further routes beyond the three Florida cities had been announced as of Aug. 12, 2025.
For families weighing whether to drive or fly, the math now changes. A nonstop from Huntsville to Fort Lauderdale that departs on a Thursday and returns on a Sunday can turn a long car ride into a three-night beach weekend. Even with bag fees and seat selection, the total cost may compare well to gas, parking, and an extra night on the road—especially when time off is limited.
Travelers who remember Allegiant’s 2008 exit may ask what’s different now. Key factors cited by airport leaders:
- HSV’s steady passenger growth
- Newsweek Readers’ Choice “Best Small Airport” accolades in 2024 and 2025
- A broader regional population base
Allegiant’s schedule extension into May 2026 positions the routes to capture spring break and early summer demand right out of the gate, giving the carrier clear data on whether to add days or keep the initial pattern.
As the first Fort Lauderdale flight lifts off in November, North Alabama finally gets back a set of nonstop Florida links long requested by local flyers. For many, that means less driving, more time at the beach, and a simpler path from Huntsville International Airport to warm-weather weekends.
This Article in a Nutshell
Allegiant returns to Huntsville after 17 years, launching three nonstop Florida routes. With fares from $39 and bookings open through May 2026, travelers gain direct beach access. Flights begin Nov. 19, 2025, Feb. 12, 2026, and Mar. 5, 2026. Check schedules, bag fees, and Trip Flex options before purchasing.