OGDENSBURG -- On the steps of city hall, Allegiant Airline officials today announced non-stop flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida twice a week will begin in October with one-way fares initially starting as low as $55.50.
“The new service is all about the passengers,” said Ogdensburg International Airport executive director Wade A. Davis. “By having options for those who prefer nonstop flights, and providing a cost-effective option for travel, we can get passengers in the air. Allegiant's service will make it easier for more people to experience all a vacation has to offer.”
Allegiant will offer a unique option to Ogdensburg area travelers with low base fares averaging less than half the cost of domestic round-trip tickets purchased in 2015. Allegiant has grown from one aircraft and one route over 15 years ago, to offering travel in over 110 markets across the country, more than any other low-cost airline.
Flights to Orlando will begin Oct. 5, with Fort Lauderdale flights beginning Oct. 6
The new flights are year-round and will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays to Sanford, Fla., which is about 27 miles from Orlando and 38 miles from Daytona. Trips to Ft. Lauderdale will take place Sundays and Thursdays.
Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com.
In conjunction with the new routes that will launch just in time for the holiday travel season, the company is celebrating with a “Christmas in July” Facebook sweepstakes to give away seats on the route’s inaugural flight.
“We’re thrilled to begin Allegiant service in Ogdensburg today,” said Jude Bricker, Allegiant chief operating officer. “We have been looking forward to being able to offer Ogdensburg area travelers nonstop flights to enjoy their favorite Florida vacation spots.”
The “Christmas in July” sweepstakes will provide 12 winners with seats on the inaugural flights from Ogdensburg to Fort Lauderdale and Ogdensburg to Orlando for themselves and a guest.
Local travelers who would like to enter to win can do so on Allegiant’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/Allegiant.
The $55.50 and $57 fares are a special introductory price offered by Allegiant. To receive those fares tickets must be purchased by July 1 for travel by Feb. 14.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) praised the news that Allegiant Air will provide service at Ogdensburg International Airport.
“This is another exciting development for Ogdensburg International Airport and for our region as this project continues to make progress,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “By bringing low fare airline service to our region, we can expand tourism and commerce – critical to growing our local economy. I commend Allegiant Air on this announcement and the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority for their continued efforts to this critical infrastructure project.”
Congresswoman Stefanik has been a strong advocate for the runway extension at Ogdensburg airport, meeting with FAA officials last summer to help push through funding. After the proposed expansion, the airport is expected to support between 125 and 135 jobs, compared to 53 in 2010.
In addition, the total amount of direct and indirect economic activity that Ogdensburg International Airport produces could nearly double by 2017, officials said.
