Gulf Shores will mark a first in city history this week as commercial air service begins at the newly expanded Gulf Shores International Airport.
Allegiant Air’s inaugural flight is scheduled to depart from the airport on May 21, signaling the start of a new transportation chapter for the Alabama Gulf Coast.
The airport’s first outbound flight is set for 5:15 p.m., heading to McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee. That same day, the arriving flight from Knoxville is expected to land at 1:14 p.m. Officials recommend travelers arrive three hours early to allow time for check-in and security screening.
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This development also introduces Allegiant Air’s first-ever service to coastal Alabama, with six nonstop routes launching between May 21 and May 24. In addition to Knoxville, Allegiant will offer service to Cincinnati, Houston, Bentonville/Fayetteville, Belleville, and Kansas City.
The expansion is expected to bring an estimated 60,000 passengers through the Gulf Shores airport this year. According to airport officials, roughly 80% of those travelers are projected to be visitors, while the remaining 20% are local residents. In 2023, the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area saw 6.4 million visitors, and city leaders hope the airport will help ease vehicle traffic into the region and improve travel access.
The airport’s commercial terminal, which opened in March 2025, spans 17,500 square feet and was partially funded through a $5 million federal grant awarded in early 2024. As of this week, final interior work such as signage and tenant installation was underway, but the terminal is expected to be fully functional for the opening flight.
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According to AL.com, Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh said about 50 employees, including law enforcement, fire personnel, baggage handlers, and airline staff, will be on hand to support operations on the first day. Ground operations for Allegiant are being managed by Trego-Dugan Aviation, with about 20 staff members assigned to ticketing and aircraft handling.
For those arriving by air, the airport offers several ground transportation options, including rental cars from Enterprise and Alamo, as well as services from Surfside Shuttle, Robin’s Rides, Beach Express Taxi, and ride-share access through Uber and Lyft.
City departments, including the Gulf Shores Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works, are providing ongoing support for safety and maintenance at the new facility.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
