Ultra-low cost airline Allegiant Air is leaving Akron-Canton Airport and relocating to Cleveland Hopkins International. Akron-Canton officials say the move will not be a major blow to their airport. From Ohio Public Radio Station WKSU Kevin Niedermier reports.
Allegiant Air will make the switch to Cleveland Hopkins in February.
Allegiant officials say they’re not unhappy with Akron-Canton, but most of its Northeast Ohio passengers are from Greater Cleveland, and Hopkins offers more room to grow.
Akron-Canton President and CEO Rick McQueen says they always hate to lose an air-carrier.
But he says Spirit Airlines coming on-board blunts the loss of Allegiant.
McQueen: “Spirit actually starts in November, so their flights will already be in effect when this happens. And of course they offer great low fares.”
McQueen says with Spirit, the only destination Akron-Canton loses when Allegiant leaves is Savannah, Georgia.
Allegiant is moving all six of its current destinations to Cleveland, including Savannah. And it will add four new destinations.