Allegiant Air axes Newburgh, NY flights

Discount airline Allegiant Air specializes in flying where others do not, successfully carving out low-fare routes from smaller, underserved cities to places such as Orlando's Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Las Vegas (LAS).

Now comes word that Allegiant is pulling out of a mid-state New York market on January 11, 2007. That’s when the discount airline axes nonstop service from Newburgh, New York’s Stewart International Airport (SWF) to Orlando and Tampa Bay’s St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport (PIE).

Maurice J. Gallagher, Allegiant Air’s president and CEO, cites “escalating competitive conditions within the market” as the reason for the pullout.

Two of the country’s premier discount airlines, JetBlue and AirTran Airways are coming to Stewart International, and launching significant service to Florida from the middle Hudson Valley. That’s why Allegiant chose to deploy its airplanes on other routes.

If you’re booked on Allegiant Air anytime from January 12, 2007 on, know that the discount airline is making arrangements for you to be accommodated on another carrier.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler