Allegiant Cuts Out Flight From Las Vegas to Oklahoma City

Mar. 6 -- A Las Vegas-based airline will end service to Will Rogers World Airport in April after rising fuel prices and increased competition made business difficult in Oklahoma City, airline officials said.

Allegiant Air will stop flying between Oklahoma City and Las Vegas on April 3.

Passengers who have reservations with the airline for travel April 6 and later can expect the airline to contract with them and give a full refund, according the airline's news release.

"Unfortunately due to escalating fuel costs and lack of market demand, we will end our Las Vegas service from Oklahoma City," said Maurice J. Gallagher, president and CEO of Allegiant Air. "We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. We greatly appreciate the support the community and the airport's management team has shown us."

Allegiant started its service between Oklahoma City and Las Vegas in October 2004.

Southwest Airlines, America West and Champion Air have added service to Las Vegas since. Las Vegas remains one of the top destinations for passengers flying out of Oklahoma City, according to airport figures.

"We're sorry to see them go," said Mark Kranenburg, director of airports for the Oklahoma City Airport Trust. "With the competition, it just seems the pieces of the pie just got smaller. We still have plenty of service available."

For more information, call Allegiant Air Reservations at (800) 432-3810 or visit the company's Web site, www.allegiantair.com.

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