New flight route to take off in April

Residents in the Sarasota-Bradenton area now have access to a new flight route to Texas. 

Allegiant announced the new nonstop route to Austin, Texas, taking off from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The service, part of a nine-route expansion, is expected to begin April 14, according to a statement. 

“We’re thrilled to kick off 2022 with a network expansion in twelve of our markets,” says Drew Wells, Allegiant's senior vice president of revenue and planning, in the press release. “These new routes will grow our presence in Austin, where we recently opened a base.”

SRQ reported 347,268 passengers in December, which is an increase of 191.5% compared to the previous year. 

In order to keep up with demand, the airport tripled its jet fuel tank capacity with the addition of three 100,000 gallon jet fuel storage tanks, added remote parking lots and expanded long-term parking and the screening checkpoint area. 

But the airport isn’t stopping there. The plans for 2022 include breaking ground on a new ground transportation facility, expanded concessions, and a new ground level terminal which will provide at least five additional gates for aircraft arrivals and departures.