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Atlantic City International Airport is experiencing a significant expansion in commercial air service, with three carriers now vying for passengers after years of limited options. Just days after Allegiant Air announced new flights to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, starting May 21, Spirit Airlines confirmed Thursday it will also launch Myrtle Beach service beginning April 15 with five flights per week.
The competing announcements highlight a dramatic shift at the South Jersey airport, where Spirit was the only commercial carrier operating less than a year ago. Allegiant's Myrtle Beach route will operate on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with introductory one-way fares starting at $49.
Drew Wells, Allegiant's chief commercial officer, said in a statement, "Our mission has always been to connect travelers to world-class destinations at an affordable price. This addition will provide a convenient option for leisure travelers and reflects our commitment to expanding service where demand is strong."
Stephen Dougherty, the South Jersey Transportation Authority's executive director, welcomed the new service, noting Myrtle Beach offers "60 miles of beaches, headline attractions like the SkyWheel, and a destination that's known by many as the Golf Capital of the World."
Breeze Airways became the third carrier at Atlantic City International last fall and has also announced plans to add new destinations this spring, including Raleigh, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina, with connecting service to Tampa, Florida. Allegiant currently operates flights from the airport to four Florida destinations: Orlando/Sanford, Fort Lauderdale, Punta Gorda, and St. Petersburg/Tampa.
The expansion reflects growing demand for affordable air travel from South Jersey. Allegiant has also recently announced new routes from Trenton-Mercer Airport to Florida destinations. The carrier is also pursuing a $1.5 billion acquisition of Sun Country Airlines, which is still awaiting regulatory approval.
The increased competition among carriers is expected to provide travelers with more options and potentially lower fares as Atlantic City International continues its transformation into a more robust regional airport.