Grand Forks International Airport will see a temporary suspension of Allegiant Airlines flights to Las Vegas starting in May 2024. This decision is part of a broader adjustment in Allegiant’s schedule rather than a direct consequence of its recent merger with Sun Country Airlines. Ryan Riesinger, the airport’s executive director, confirmed this change, which the airport was notified of last week.
Riesinger noted that Allegiant has experienced a decline in passenger numbers traveling to Las Vegas, estimating a drop of approximately 20% in traffic from Grand Forks. “It is more relevant to a systemwide change for Allegiant. They have been experiencing fewer visitors to Las Vegas and their overall system has made some cuts,” he explained. Despite the temporary halt, Riesinger remains optimistic about the service’s return, stating that Allegiant has indicated a plan to reinstate flights for the fall season, typically starting in October.
Future Flight Plans and Market Adjustments
The future of the Las Vegas route remains uncertain as officials await details on whether the flights will resume as continuous service or simply as seasonal offerings. “Allegiant schedules out in four-month sections based on what they are projecting. It is an ongoing process to be able to compete for that service,” Riesinger stated.
The merger between Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines, finalized on January 11, 2024, is expected to create a combined network serving approximately 22 million customers across 175 cities. This consolidation may influence future flight availability and routes out of Grand Forks. Currently, Allegiant operates seasonal flights to Orlando/Sanford and continuous flights to Mesa and Las Vegas.
Visitor numbers to Las Vegas have been on the decline, with reports indicating that the city recorded nearly 9% fewer visitors in September 2024 compared to the previous year. Furthermore, data from Travelpulse.com revealed an over 11% drop in visitor numbers from June 2024.
Potential New Routes and Local Initiatives
In response to the changing aviation landscape, Grand Forks city leaders, including Mayor Brandon Bochenski, are engaging with Allegiant to explore potential new routes, including a flight to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Bochenski expressed optimism about these discussions, stating, “If that’s a possibility, that would be really great.”
In October 2023, Bochenski established an Air Service Task Force aimed at enhancing flight options at the airport. Delta Airlines has announced plans to increase service with one additional daily flight to Minneapolis starting in April 2025. Additionally, there is hope for regular United Airlines flights to Denver, with announcements expected in early February.
Riesinger emphasized that conversations regarding these potential developments are ongoing, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing air service from Grand Forks International Airport. The community’s efforts continue to focus on increasing connectivity and ensuring that residents have access to essential travel destinations.
