Allegiant adds flights to Punta Gorda

PUNTA GORDA -- Allegiant Airlines announced Wednesday it will add several new nonstop flights between Punta Gorda Airport and Rockford, Ill., Toledo, Ohio, and Plattsburgh, N.Y., starting in February 2013.

All three destinations had been served by Direct Air until it ceased operation in April. To date, Allegiant has re-established five of Direct Air's former destinations,. The others include Springfield, Ill., and Niagara Falls, N.Y., pointed out Gary Quill, executive director of the Charlotte County Airport Authority.

The Punta Gorda Airport depends on revenue generated by its airline passengers, so airport officials are thrilled to see Allegiant's expansion. It helps make up for the loss of Direct Air, Quill said.

'Punta Gorda Airport, located between Fort Myers and Sarasota, is extremely happy to welcome renewed service to Southwest Florida from Rockford, Toledo, and Plattsburgh,' said Quill. 'These routes are proven winners. We want to express our gratitude to Allegiant for their faith in us.'

The company plans to introduce the new service with one-way fares ranging from about $86 to $110.

'We are excited to extend our brand of convenient low-cost travel with nonstop service from Rockford, Toledo, and Plattsburgh to Southwest Florida,' said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant president. 'We are confident residents of each region will appreciate our affordable, nonstop service to popular Southwest Florida destinations, as well as take advantage of the value of booking hotel rooms, car rentals and attractions through us.'

The new flights will operate twice weekly from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), Toledo Express Airport (TOL) and Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) to Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). Flight days and times can be found at allegiant.com.

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