Although it’s going to start about a week later than usual, flights will once again be available from Bridgeport to Myrtle Beach during the warm weather months. North Central West Virginia Airport Director Rick Rock confirmed that Allegiant Airlines has agreed to continue the destination flights for a third straight year.

 

“It is a few days later than we’ve had in the past, but it’s based largely on Alleigant going through a transition of equipment,” said NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock. “Certainly, we expected it to be renewed with the good numbers we’ve had in the past. At the same time, it’s always good to get it confirmed that they’re returning.”

 

Flights will start this year on June 7. As of right now, Rock said he’s been told the flights will go at least through the third week of September.

 

“There is potential for it to be longer,” said Rock. “We think that’s going to happen if we again have strong numbers.”

 

Rock said the hope is the flights will be continued into October. Although a colder period for most in North Central West Virginia, Myrtle Beach still has plenty of warm days at that time.

 

“The reason for my confidence is they’re very happy with the performance in that market from Bridgeport,” said Rock. “Although the numbers have dropped in the past from the peak of June, July and August, they’re still strong numbers who are flying between here and Myrtle Beach after the traditional summer months. I really believe we’re going to see the flights go into October.”

 

While Myrtle Beach is still several months away from taking off, flights are going strong from Bridgeport to Orlando through Allegiant. To understand just how strong the flights have been for the area, the numbers show you what you need to know.

 

In 2013, when Allegiant first began flights the airport saw 1,837 passengers once the service began late that year. In the following years the numbers have skyrocketed – and may continue to do so with Myrtle Beach teamed up with it yet again.

 

In 2014, Allegiant flights produced 13,274 passengers. In 2015, the number jumped to 16,350. There was another increase last year as the Allegiant flights produced 17,752 passengers.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows one of the new Allegiant Air Bus planes that are being integrated into their system, while NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock is shown below.