The new commercial terminal at Gulf Shores International Airport, ready to welcome travelers.
Allegiant Air is set to introduce its first commercial flights to Gulf Shores International Airport, marking a significant milestone for the region. Starting May 21, the airline will offer nonstop flights to six destinations, including Houston and Knoxville, with affordable fares beginning at $37.50. As Gulf Shores prepares for this transition, the introduction of commercial air service is expected to boost local tourism and economic growth, enhancing the travel experience for visitors and residents alike.
Gulf Shores, Alabama – Allegiant Air is set to make history by launching its first-ever commercial flights to Gulf Shores International Airport at Jack Edwards Field (GUF) on May 21, 2025. This marks a significant milestone as it introduces commercial air service to and from Gulf Shores for the first time.
The airline will operate nonstop flights connecting Gulf Shores to six destinations: Belleville, Illinois; Bentonville, Arkansas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Houston, Texas. The service from Houston will run twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, with affordable fares starting at $37.50.
In preparation for this commercial expansion, Gulf Shores International Airport received $5 million in federal grant funding in February 2024, designated for the construction of a new commercial terminal. This facility, spanning 17,500 square feet, was previewed in a local news segment in March 2025, showcasing the airport’s readiness to accommodate travelers.
With Allegiant’s new flights, travelers can expect a significant reduction in travel time from Texas to Gulf Shores, replacing lengthy nine-hour drives with convenient air travel. The inaugural flight is anticipated to arrive from McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville at approximately 1:14 PM, with the first departure launching back to Knoxville at 5:15 PM.
The routes from Gulf Shores feature a mix of year-round and seasonal services; notably, the flights to Cincinnati and Belleville will be available year-round, while flights to Bentonville, Kansas City, Knoxville, and Houston will operate seasonally from late spring through fall. Overall, the airport projects it will serve around 60,000 passengers in its first year, with estimates suggesting that 80% of these travelers will be visitors from the new flight destinations.
Currently, Gulf Shores International Airport has primarily operated private and charter flights; however, the introduction of commercial operations represents a pivotal transition for the airport. The construction of the two-gate terminal is nearing completion as planners prepare for the upcoming flights. Local leadership, including Mayor Robert Craft, has underscored the service’s potential to enhance accessibility to major cities and stimulate economic growth within the community.
The anticipated increase in visitors to Gulf Shores is expected to provide a positive impact on Alabama’s tourism sector. As confirmed by the airport’s director, the new service is designed to complement the area’s small-town vibe, with assurances that increased commercial flights will entail minimal noise disruption.
Transportation options will be available for passengers upon arrival at the airport, including shuttles, taxis, and ride-share services like Lyft and Uber, ensuring seamless travel to and from Gulf Shores.
Allegiant Air is committed to assessing opportunities for further service expansion based on customer demand and market conditions. The airline’s primary focus is geared toward providing flights tailored for vacationers, aligning with customer preferences for affordable and easy travel to leisure destinations. The introduction of this airline service is part of a larger initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion during peak tourism periods in the Gulf Shores region.
As Gulf Shores prepares for this new era of commercial aviation, the community anticipates not just enhanced connectivity but a substantial boost to local tourism and the economy.
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