Niagara Falls could land new carrier

Officials at Niagara Falls International Airport have confirmed to Buffalo's Business First newspaper that they are in talks with a new airline over the possibility of starting service.

The upper New York State airfield serves one of the world's most recognizable natural wonders, Niagara Falls, but operates no commercial flights. Tourists heading to the region rely on services flying to nearby Buffalo Niagara International.

However, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) has revealed that negotiations have begun between the aerodrome and Chicago-based start-up carrier Festival Airlines.

The new carrier is seeking the use of an airport in the north-east as a hub for its planned routes to destinations in the New England area and eastern Canada. Its current main base is Chicago-Rockford International.

Festival has said Niagara Falls would be an attractive hub because of its popularity with Canadian passengers looking to vacation in Florida resorts and the NFTA has welcomed talks. The carrier's long-term plan involves operating regular flights to the Sunshine State from the north.

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