Huntington Tri-State Airport (HTS) is once again taking off to sunny South Florida, thanks to Allegiant Air’s new direct flights to Fort Lauderdale. This exciting addition marks the return of a beloved route that is making a highly anticipated comeback in May 2025. Brent Brown, airport director at HTS, shared insights into the journey of restoring this vital connection and the benefits it brings to the Tri-State region.
By Megan Archer
HQ 129 Spring 2025
Allegiant Air first partnered with HTS in 2008 to provide direct flights to Fort Lauderdale, one of the most popular destinations for Tri-State travelers. However, in 2013, the airline suspended the route due to nationwide adjustments in its network. Despite the pause, Brown said the loyalty of local travelers kept the airport on Allegiant’s radar.
“Since that time, the loyalty of the travelers from HTS to sunny destinations provided by Allegiant has allowed HTS to be recognized as one of the top-performing airports for the airline,” Brown said.
As Allegiant began expanding routes across the U.S., one of its first calls was to HTS leadership.
“Allegiant made it clear that travelers from our airport were greatly appreciated, and we began working on the logistics of adding the new nonstop, direct flight to Fort Lauderdale,” Brown said.
The route, which will operate at least twice a week year-round with affordable one-way fares, is expected to boost both travel numbers and economic development in the Tri-State area. Brown said he anticipates that the new route will increase enplanements at HTS and attract travelers from a broader region who might otherwise fly out of airports farther away.
“Flights into and out of Fort Lauderdale are always very popular,” he explained. “This route allows travelers from the Tri-State to have quick access to the sandy beaches, amazing shopping and culinary experiences in Fort Lauderdale, as well as the short drives to Palm Beach to the north and Miami to the south.”
Allegiant has long been a major player in the low-cost airline industry, offering affordable travel options to getaways across the U.S. Brown said the airline’s partnership with HTS is more than just flights — it’s a significant economic driver for the region, bringing jobs, community initiatives and sustainable travel practices to the table.
The financial impact of Allegiant’s presence at HTS is substantial and growing. The new Fort Lauderdale route is expected to further increase the amount of money spent on Allegiant flights each year. Through the Allegiant platform, travelers can book not only flights but also lodging, ground transportation and vacation experiences — making it a one-stop shop for trip planning.
Brown said the airport’s focus remains on increasing accessibility and convenience for local residents, reducing the need to travel long distances for flights. Looking ahead, HTS is actively pursuing new routes and partnerships to expand services.
“We are continually collecting data and listening to our communities to identify regions and cities that would be desirable for travelers in our area,” Brown said.
While specifics on new routes are still in development, Brown mentioned that HTS is exploring opportunities to the western U.S. and working to overcome challenges such as pilot shortages and gate availability.
Brown encouraged residents to support HTS by choosing the airport for their travel needs.
“The best way to get the attention of our airline partners is to use HTS to get wherever you’re going,” he said. “Over time, we will be able to show the airlines that more and more passengers are choosing our airport, and this will open the skies to additional routes that we all want.”
The return of the Fort Lauderdale route is a major milestone for Huntington Tri-State Airport and a testament to its strong partnership with Allegiant Air. With cost-friendly fares, convenient schedules and the promise of future route expansions, travelers in the Tri-State region have every reason to pack their bags and take off from HTS — starting with a trip to Fort Lauderdale.
