BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- Allegiant Air has ended service at Ogdensburg Airport, but the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority says it has not received notice.

“Due to continuing diminished demand brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, Allegiant has made the difficult decision to cease operations at Ogdensburg International Airport,” a statement from Allegiant said. “The extended closure of the U.S.-Canadian border as well as mandatory quarantines for travel to New York have exacerbated the pandemic’s effect on demand in the area.”

A statement from OBPA Chairman Sam Burns says nothing official has been received yet.

“Due to the continued presence of Covid-19 throughout the United States and Canada, we understand the difficulties this has placed on all airlines in our country. With the U.S.- Canadian border closed until further notice, we understand the difficulties Allegiant faces trying to operate financially along border communities,” Burns said. “However, we are aware that the company that works alongside of Allegiant at Ogdensburg International Airport has released all of their employees and will soon remove the equipment used to service baggage handling, in effect, ceasing operations at our airport. Of course we are disappointed with this development but understand the reasons behind it.”

Burns said the OBPA has enjoyed excellent relationships with Allegiant and had discussed several future possibilities prior to Covid-19.

“The Board of Directors of the OBPA and Executive Director will move forward to consider what options we might have when this devastating pandemic passes. A direct flight to Florida from Ogdensburg has been used by North Country residents and our friends to the north as a service that never existed before a low cost carrier like Allegiant came into the airport. Before Covid the flights were filled up to a reasonable percentage and everyone, including Allegiant were happy with the results. If Allegiant is willing to return when this pandemic is over the OBPA will be more than happy to discuss that arrangement but the OBPA must continue to look to the future and be willing to discuss with other low cost carriers the opportunity that exists at our airport for service to Florida. It continues to be the mission of the OBPA to provide economic development and service to the North Country residents and businesses that operate in our region,” Burns said.

“In the meantime, SkyWest, flying as United Airlines continues to serve the Ogdensburg Airport with direct flights to Chicago and Washington, D.C. This has been an added service to those looking to connect to major hubs and continue on to their final destination.”

Passengers with current reservations will have the option to re-book their travel through other Allegiant airports in the region, including Plattsburgh International Airport and Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Allegiant's website is allegiant.com.