Rickenbacker to Add Twice Weekly Nonstop Service to Key West

Rickenbacker International Airport announced on November 18, 2025 that Allegiant Air will begin twice weekly nonstop flights to Key West, Florida beginning May 21, 2026. The service was described by Columbus Regional Airport Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Nardone as part of an expanding partnership with Allegiant, and tickets are already available on the airline website.

This addition brings into sharper focus Rickenbacker as a growing alternative for point to point leisure travel out of Central Ohio. Allegiant now serves 10 nonstop destinations from Rickenbacker and operates up to 38 weekly flights during the peak summer travel season. For Monroe County residents, who often choose between area airports for price or convenience, the new Key West option reduces the need to connect through larger hubs for a direct flight to a high demand vacation market.

Economically the route aligns with broader patterns in low cost carrier expansion, where targeted leisure routes can shift traveler flows and stimulate local spending. A nonstop connection to Key West is likely to benefit residents planning vacation travel by lowering travel time and the uncertainty of connections. It also has potential implications for the local travel sector, including travel agencies, tour operators, and ground transportation providers that serve passengers traveling to and from Rickenbacker.

Rickenbacker has positioned itself as a complement to other Columbus area airports by focusing on a mix of passenger and cargo services, and this announcement underscores the airport authority strategy to grow passenger offerings through airline partnerships. Joseph Nardone emphasized that relationship in presenting the new service. “Our long standing partnership with Allegiant Air continues to expand travel opportunities for Central Ohio,” Nardone said. “Key West is a unique and highly sought destination, and this service is a welcome addition for travelers.”

From a market perspective, the twice weekly frequency suggests Allegiant is targeting weekend and short stay travel patterns common for Key West trips. If demand warrants, the carrier has precedent at Rickenbacker for increasing frequencies during peak seasons, as reflected in the airport level of up to 38 weekly flights in summer months. For planners in Monroe County, that seasonal flexibility could mean more options during school breaks and summer travel periods.

Residents interested in the new service can book flights on the Allegiant website. The May 21 start date gives travelers time to plan summer trips and for local providers to prepare for incremental passenger flows to and from Rickenbacker.