Allegiant Air is launching 19 new nonstop routes between May 20 and May 22, 2026. The timing is no accident—the ultra-low-cost carrier is making its aggressive push into fresh markets just days after finalizing its merger with Sun Country Airlines. Within three years of integration, the carrier expects to unlock approximately $140 million in annual synergies.
The merger closed on May 13, 2026. Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) acquired Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCY) for approximately $1.5 billion, which included Sun Country’s $400 million net debt. Sun Country shareholders walked away with 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock plus $4.10 in cash per share—an implied value of $18.89, or 19.8 percent above the closing price on January 9, 2026.
The combined operation now spans 195 aircraft serving nearly 175 cities across more than 650 routes. Allegiant shareholders control approximately 67 percent, while Sun Country shareholders hold 33 percent on a fully diluted basis.
Route Expansion Details
Three consecutive days. Nineteen new routes. The first one launches May 20 on Appleton (ATW) to Santa Ana/John Wayne (SNA) with fares starting at just $79. The remaining 18 routes come online May 21 and May 22, with introductory pricing ranging from $39 to $79.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) marks the biggest prize here—it’s Allegiant’s first-ever service at the airport. From PHL, the carrier will operate to Des Moines (DSM), Knoxville (TYS), Grand Rapids (GRR), and Dayton (DAY), all with introductory fares of $49 to $59. Denver (DEN) gets new service to Destin–Fort Walton Beach (VPS) at $59. Then there’s Gulf Shores International Airport—which opened to commercial flights only in May 2025—emerging as a new hub. Routes from there will connect to Omaha (OMA), Huntsville (HSV), Louisville (SDF), Oklahoma City (OKC), and Springfield (SGF).
Burbank (BUR) routes to Des Moines and Indianapolis (IND) launch May 22, with the BUR-IND flight priced from $79. Orlando Sanford (SFB) will serve La Crosse (LSE). The expansion also includes twice-weekly A320 flights on the Elmira to Myrtle Beach route.
Four markets are breaking entirely new ground for any airline: Columbus Rickenbacker (LCK) to Key West (EYW), Orlando Sanford to La Crosse, Gulf Shores to Huntsville, and Gulf Shores to Omaha. Most of these routes are brand new, though one exception—Dayton to Myrtle Beach—previously flew under Allegiant colors, last operating in 2018.
Fleet Deployment
Airbus A319, A320, and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will handle the expansion. Twice-weekly to thrice-weekly service is typical across the new network.
Strategic Context
Both carriers still maintain separate FAA operating certificates. Full consolidation under a single operating certificate should happen within 14 months. The Allegiant and Sun Country brands will continue operating independently—separate loyalty programs and all—until the full integration under the Allegiant brand sometime between 18 to 24 months, or by May 2028.
“Today marks a defining moment in Allegiant’s history as we officially join forces with Sun Country to create the leading leisure-focused airline in the United States,” said Gregory C. Anderson, CEO of Allegiant Travel Company, upon closing the merger.
The deal works because these two airlines barely overlap. Allegiant built its reputation at smaller airports. Sun Country focused on Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and seasonal leisure routes to major hubs. Add in Sun Country’s cargo operations for Amazon and charter flying—and you’ve got real revenue diversification.
Just one day later, on May 14, 2026, Allegiant announced eight additional new nonstop routes aimed at Florida destinations launching in fall 2026. The message is clear: more network optimization is coming. The combined carrier now stands as the eighth largest U.S. airline by available seat miles.
Stay in the loop
Get the latest aviation news updates delivered to your inbox.