Plans by Allegiant Airlines to begin flights to the Alabama Gulf Coast will put commercial air service within a few miles of Foley.

The airline announced plans to begin the first commercial air service into the Gulf Shores International Airport starting in May 2025. The airport is less than 9 miles from the center of Foley.

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the move will be a major benefit for residents and visitors to the city.

 “The new Allegiant Air Service in South Baldwin is another option for our citizens,” Hellmich said. “We are a growing vibrant community having modern ‘all jet’ service helps not only tourism but business and travel. I am proud of all the stakeholder partners in South Baldwin that helped make this happen.”

The announcement took place following an effort by local agencies, including the city of Foley, to bring commercial air service to the Gulf Coast. The Foley City Council authorized contributions to the Air Service Fund. The city provided a total of $28,000 over two years.

The fund provided local money to be used to match grant funding needed to bring commercial air service to the area.

Hellmich also sits on the Stakeholders Group for the Gulf Shores Airport Authority.

The service will provide visitors with access to Foley’s commercial, retail and entertainment centers. 

The airline will launch six new nonstop routes from the airport, connecting Coastal Alabama to major cities across the country.

The new routes from Gulf Shores include:

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park/Knoxville, Tennessee via McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) – beginning May 21, 2025
  • Cincinnati, Ohio via Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – beginning May 22, 2025
  • Houston, Texas via William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) – beginning May 22, 2025
  • Bentonville/Fayetteville, Arkansas via Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) – beginning May 22, 2025
  • Belleville, Illinois via MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) – beginning May 23, 2025
  • Kansas City, Missouri via Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – beginning May 24, 2025

The addition of Gulf Shores International Airport to Allegiant’s network is driven by robust leisure demand and Allegiant’s commitment to providing low-cost airfare to underserved communities with limited or no air service. A core aspect of Allegiant’s business model is to provide service during peak travel times with strong leisure demand, such as holidays, summer, weekends and school breaks.

“We’re thrilled to bring air service to Gulf Shores for the first time in the city’s history,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer. “These new routes will make it easier than ever for travelers to access Alabama’s beautiful beaches, while also providing convenient options for local residents. We’re committed to offering affordable fares and nonstop flights that make travel a reality for more people.”

“Today marks a historic moment for Gulf Shores as we welcome Allegiant to Gulf Shores International Airport,” said Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft. “Bringing scheduled air service to our community has been a goal for many years, and today represents a significant step toward making that a reality. Allegiant’s new service will connect Gulf Shores directly to major cities, enhancing the quality of life for residents by providing new convenient travel options. These nonstop routes will also make traveling to Alabama’s beaches easier than ever, allowing visitors to enjoy our local shops, restaurants, and everything our area has to offer more frequently. We are grateful for Allegiant’s investment in Gulf Shores and look forward to a partnership that will grow for many years to come.”

“We are thrilled to announce Allegiant as the first carrier to bring scheduled air service to Gulf Shores International Airport,” said Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh. “Their business model, low-fares, and expertise in leisure travel aligns perfectly with our community’s long-time vision to bring air service to this community. This announcement is a game-changer.”