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Allegiant Airlines, based in Las Vegas, announces plans to broaden its flights to Atlantic City

Airline Expansion: Allegiant Airlines is venturing into the gaming hub of the Eastern Seaboard, specifically Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Allegiant Airlines, headquartered in Las Vegas, broadens its services to Atlantic City
Allegiant Airlines, headquartered in Las Vegas, broadens its services to Atlantic City

Allegiant Airlines, based in Las Vegas, announces plans to broaden its flights to Atlantic City

Allegiant Airlines is set to launch four new routes between Atlantic City International Airport and Florida starting from December 4, 2025. This expansion will connect Atlantic City with Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Punta Gorda, offering low-cost, convenient travel options and increasing competition at Atlantic City’s airport, which was previously dominated by Spirit Airlines.

The expansion is expected to stimulate increased travel demand from Florida, particularly among leisure travelers attracted by Allegiant’s budget fares starting as low as $39 one-way. By offering service to smaller, less congested airports near Florida metro areas, such as Sanford for Orlando and St. Pete-Clearwater for Tampa, Allegiant enhances accessibility for travelers. This improved connectivity may boost casino visitation in Atlantic City by attracting more visitors from Florida, drawn by the ease and affordability of direct flights.

Allegiant’s entry addresses a gap created by Spirit Airlines scaling back service and ceasing its crew base at Atlantic City in 2024. This move is likely to increase airport passenger volumes and tourism-related activity, including casino visits. Allegiant’s focus on leisure travel aligns with Atlantic City’s casino-driven tourism economy, suggesting a positive impact on visitor numbers and casino demand from the Florida market.

Philadelphia's international airport (PHL) is the primary air hub for travelers flying to Atlantic City, located an hour's drive along the Atlantic City Expressway. American Airlines operates a shuttle service between Atlantic City International and Philadelphia International Airport, providing additional travel options for those heading to the casino town.

Allegiant Airlines will run direct flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Atlantic City International (ACY). The airline, which is the only commercial airliner headquartered in Southern Nevada, will also include St. Petersburg/Tampa (PIE), Sanford/Orlando (SFB), and Punta Gorda/Fort Myers (PGD) in Florida, starting Presidents' Day weekend in February 2026.

The Atlantic City International Airport now has two commercial airline operators following the addition of Allegiant Airlines, with Spirit being the only other commercial airline currently operating at the airport. In 2024, the airport saw a 15% year-over-year improvement in passenger traffic, with approximately 918K passengers. However, this year through June, passenger traffic has decreased by a quarter to approximately 361K passengers.

The nine casinos in Atlantic City welcome the addition of Allegiant Airlines, as it connects the casino town directly with Florida and the Allegiant network. The average nightly room rate at Atlantic City casinos has increased from $142 in 2019 to $178 last year, indicating a growing interest in the resort town.

In 2019, the nine Atlantic City casinos sold 4,292,536 room nights. Last year, the number of sold casino hotel rooms totaled 4,030,060. The potential increase in travel demand from Florida, coupled with the improved connectivity provided by Allegiant Airlines, could help boost these figures in the coming years.

Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer, stated that this expansion strengthens their leisure network and opens up more affordable travel options. He mentioned that this move is a win for travelers seeking sun and sand, and for those who want to experience the coastal charm of the Eastern Seaboard or stroll along Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk.

Allegiant Airlines holds the naming rights to the Las Vegas Raiders' NFL stadium through 2050, further cementing its position as a key player in the travel industry. As Atlantic City prepares for the arrival of Allegiant Airlines, it is poised to benefit from increased tourism and economic activity, with the potential for heightened casino visitation and growth in the casino industry.

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