04/29/2026
Great news for our communities!
Allegiant, Gulf Shores International Airport’s only commercial airline, is one step closer to officially acquiring Sun Country Airlines.
With the U.S. Department of Transportation’s approval of the airline subsidiaries’ joint interim exemption application, both airlines will be able to continue operating as separate carriers under common ownership, Allegiant announced last week, until receiving a single operating certificate from the FAA.
This milestone was the last remaining regulatory approval-related condition to the closing of the proposed merger. Shareholder meetings are scheduled for May 8. Following shareholder approval, the closing could be finalized as early as May 13.
Beginning next month, five more routes will launch at Gulf Shores International Airport, offering summertime service in Springfield, Missouri (SGF); Louisville, Kentucky (SDF); Omaha, Nebraska (OMA); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (OKC); and Huntsville (HSV).
Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh said during a city council meeting on April 20 the airport is implementing additional operational measures to handle the expected demand.
“We’re going to be busy,” he said. “We put a lot of operational measures in at the airport, some kind of music and food to be out there. There’s more to come on that, but really just getting lined up for the summer, and we’re excited.”
✍️: Kayla Green & Gabriella Chavez / Gulf Coast Media Report for America
📸: Micah Green / Gulf Coast Media file photo
