Apr. 29—Sun Country Airlines is launching air service at Punta Gorda Airport with a new route between Charlotte County and Minneapolis.
The Minnesota-based airline said on Tuesday that it will run flights twice a week between Punta Gorda and Minneapolis on Mondays and Fridays starting Dec. 10. To celebrate, the airline is offering introductory fares of as low as $89 one-way.
With the news, Sun Country becomes the second airline at the Charlotte County airport. Allegiant Air is the primary carrier there; the airline serves more than 50 destinations from Punta Gorda.
"Our community is excited about welcoming new visitors from Minnesota to sunny southwest Florida," said James W. Parish, Punta Gorda Airport CEO. "Travelers landing at our convenient airport can enjoy an array of outdoor activities surrounding Charlotte Harbor and can explore historic waterfront Punta Gorda to the beautiful Gulf beaches within a 45-minute drive."
The Punta Gorda news was part of a wider announcement of service expansion from Sun Country, which announced 18 new nonstop routes and welcomed nine new airports on Tuesday.
The airline will now offer service to five different airports on Florida's Gulf Coast, including Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, which it has served since late 2019.
Travel is expected to increase over the coming months as more and more people get COVID-19 vaccines.
"With more and more people excited to resume traveling, we're excited to be able to offer them another option to get away this winter to enjoy the Sunshine State," said Grant Whitney, Sun Country Airlines chief revenue officer. "We're know there is pent-up demand for convenient, affordable travel, and we're here to help folks enjoy the vacations they've been dreaming about."
To take advantage of the introductory fare, flights must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. central time on May 4. With Tuesday's announcement, Sun Country Airlines will operate a total of 93 routes across 69 airports in the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
___
(c)2021 Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Fla.
Visit Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Fla. at www.heraldtribune.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
