By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
For the first time ever, Huntsville-area residents will be able to catch a commercial flight straight to Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches. Gulf Shores International Airport announced Tuesday that Allegiant Air will begin offering nonstop seasonal service from Huntsville to Gulf Shores starting in May, just in time for the Memorial Day travel rush.
The service, which will run twice weekly through mid-August, marks a major milestone for Alabama’s newest commercial airport and a significant convenience for North Alabama travelers looking for a quicker route to the coast.
The Huntsville route is part of a broader Allegiant expansion adding flights between Gulf Shores and Springfield (MO), Louisville (KY), Omaha (NE), and Oklahoma City (OK). With these additions, Gulf Shores International will now serve 13 nonstop destinations.
This year’s ramp-up builds on previous expansions, including new flights added in 2024 and early 2025 to Appleton, Knoxville, Des Moines, Nashville, Kansas City, and Belleville near St. Louis.
A Growing Airport on Alabama’s Coast
Airport director Jesse Fosnaugh said the new Huntsville service highlights the momentum behind Gulf Shores International. “This milestone reflects both the strength of our partnership with Allegiant and the growing demand for convenient access to Alabama’s beaches,” Fosnaugh said.
He added that the airline’s leisure-focused model and low fares are “a perfect match” for the region. “Many airlines and the communities are reducing air service… Allegiant has done just the opposite here in Gulf Shores. The dream of air service has taken off, literally.”
(Source: Jesse Fosnaugh, Gulf Shores International Airport)
The airport’s $8 million commercial terminal — which opened in mid-May — has already exceeded expectations. Within two months, more than 10,000 passengers traveled through the new facility. Fosnaugh estimates 85,000 passengers will pass through by the end of the year.
More Expansion Already Underway
Gulf Shores International is preparing for a $15 million terminal expansion, designed by Fentress Architects, that will allow two aircraft to operate simultaneously. Planned improvements include new gate areas, expanded baggage claim, and increased curb frontage for vehicle access. Groundbreaking is expected in summer 2026, with completion targeted for May 2027.
With Allegiant’s continued investment and a rapidly growing list of destinations, officials say Alabama’s coastal airport is quickly becoming a major gateway for beach-bound travelers across the South — including now, for the first time, North Alabama.
