Gulf Shores International Airport Celebrates First-Ever Commercial Flight with Allegiant Air

Press Release

Gulf Shores, AL - May 21, 2025
📍 1155 Commerce Drive, Gulf Shores, AL 36542



See photos/videos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCf8cS

In a landmark moment for south Baldwin County, Gulf Shores International Airport at Jack Edwards Field (GUF) officially welcomed its first-ever commercial airline service today with the arrival of an Allegiant flight from Knoxville, Tennessee. The inaugural flight was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute and a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the start of a new era in air travel for Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

“This is truly a game-changer,” says Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft. “Not only does this make our area more accessible for vacationers, but it also gives our residents fast, affordable access to destinations across the country. It’s a win for our community, our economy, and our future.”

The event was attended by local mayors from Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, alongside city council members, state tourism leaders, and Chamber representatives. Their presence highlighted the regional importance of this development, which opens new doors for both tourism and local convenience.

With commercial service now available, south Baldwin County is poised to become an even more attractive destination for leisure travelers, while also enhancing quality of life for local residents with convenient travel options.

Allegiant Air, known for its ultra-low-cost model and vacation-focused routes, begins six nonstop flights to Gulf Shores this week, connecting the region with key cities across the Midwest and South:

  • Cincinnati, OH (CVG) – Begins May 22

  • Houston, TX (HOU) – Begins May 22

  • Bentonville/Fayetteville, AR (XNA) – Begins May 22

  • Belleville, IL (BLV) – Begins May 23

  • Kansas City, MO (MCI) – Begins May 24

  • Knoxville, TN (TYS) – Began May 21

Each route will offer twice-weekly flights, making Gulf Shores more reachable than ever for short getaways and extended vacations alike. Allegiant’s service schedule is designed for weekend and holiday travel flexibility:

  • Wednesdays & Saturdays: Kansas City (MCI), Knoxville (TYS)

  • Thursdays & Sundays: Cincinnati (CVG), Houston (HOU), Bentonville (XNA)

  • Mondays & Fridays: Belleville (BLV)

One-way fares start as low as $39, continuing Allegiant’s mission of providing affordable, convenient travel to underserved markets. Two additional routes to Appleton/Green Bay, WI (ATW) and Des Moines, IA (DSM) will begin this October. 

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Allegiant Air is a leading ultra-low-cost airline specializing in connecting smaller cities to top leisure destinations. With a focus on cost-effective, nonstop travel, Allegiant has carried more than 100 million passengers across the U.S.

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Gulf Shores International Airport Celebrates First-Ever Commercial Flight with Allegiant Air