Gulf Shores, AL – November 18, 2025 – Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA) is entering a new chapter of growth. Beginning May 2026, Allegiant will now connect Gulf Shores & Orange Beach to five new cities, offering nonstop seasonal service from Springfield, Missouri (SGF); Louisville, Kentucky (SDF); Huntsville, Alabama (HSV); Omaha, Nebraska (OMA); and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (OKC). These flights will operate two flights per week to each destination and run through the peak summer season. Flights start in time for Memorial Day and continuing into mid‑August, bringing more visitors and more opportunities to Alabama’s beach communities.
This announcement builds on Allegiant’s recent expansion of service to Appleton, WI (ATW) Des Moines, IA (DSM), Knoxville, TN (TYS), Nashville, TN (BNA), Kansas City, MO (MCI), Belleville/St. Louis (BLV), Cincinnati, OH (CVG), and Northwest Arkansas/Bentonville (XNA). With the addition of the five new cities, Gulf Shores International will now serve a total of 13 nonstop destinations—a milestone that reflects both the strength of the airport’s partnership with Allegiant and the growing demand for convenient access to Alabama’s beaches.
The positive impact and reach of the new air service is clear. Passenger surveys show that nearly half of Allegiant’s passengers using the airport had never visited Alabama’s beaches before commercial service began, and 80% of those surveyed indicated they plan to return more often now that nonstop flights are available. For the community, this means new visitors discovering the destination, expanded travel options for residents, and increased economic activity that supports local businesses and jobs.
To prepare for the future, Gulf Shores International is investing in its facilities. The airport has engaged Fentress Architects to design a $15 million terminal expansion that will accommodate two simultaneous aircraft operations. Planned improvements include new gate areas, expanded baggage claim, and increased curb frontage for vehicle access. The airport is pursuing all financing opportunities and options as groundbreaking is tentatively planned for Summer 2026, with completion targeted for May 2027—just in time for another busy summer season.
Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh noted the success is not by accident: “Allegiant’s leisure‑focused business model and low fares are a perfect match for our destination. In addition, the airport authority, cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama’s Beaches, and business leaders have cultivated an environment where Allegiant can be successful. It’s a recipe for success. Many airlines and the communities are reducing air service; stagnate in their growth. Allegiant has done just the opposite here in Gulf Shores. The dream of air service has taken off, literally.”
Tickets to all destinations served from Gulf Shores International can be booked now at Allegiant.com
Airport Terminal Expansion Renderings
About Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA)
Gulf Shores International Airport sits on 838 acres just three miles from Alabama’s soft, white sugar-sand beaches, serving as the premiere gateway to the communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In addition to its growing commercial airline schedule and thirteen nonstop destinations, Gulf Shores International supports a full spectrum of aviation needs, including general aviation, military operations, flight instruction, medical transport, law enforcement missions, and aircraft services. Through safe, efficient, and customer-focused operations, the airport drives economic growth, tourism, and connectivity to Coastal Alabama.
