MEDIA RELEASE

For more information, contact:                                                                                             Nov. 16, 2023
Catherine Povalitis

815.282.9976

RFD Announces Direct Fights to Nashville Through Allegiant Airlines  

ROCKFORD, Ill. (Nov. 16, 2023) – The Greater Rockford Airport Authority (GRAA) is thrilled to announce that Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) will soon offer direct flights to Nashville with its partner Allegiant Airlines.

Officials at RFD have been working for about five years to secure a route to Nashville International Airport (BNA) and are proud to now offer seven direct flight destinations to passengers in the region.

“We have heard loud and clear from our community that they want the opportunity to fly to more destinations, and we have worked tirelessly to provide this option to them. We couldn’t be happier to announce Nashville today,” said Zack Oakley, deputy director of planning and operations and incoming executive director at RFD.

The new flights will begin May 16, 2024.

The routes through Allegiant are designed to transport vacationers to some of the airline’s most in-demand destinations. To justify new routes, there needs to be a substantial and consistent demand from the community.

Expanding flight offerings is a strategic goal for RFD, but it comes with its set of challenges. Attracting airlines to commit to a new airport route involves several factors, including market demand, economic feasibility, and collaboration with airline partners.

“The Rockford region’s market meets that demand. For our current partner airline Allegiant Air, RFD passengers fill 90 percent of flights, the most of any other airport serviced by Allegiant,” Oakley said.

Currently, passengers can travel from RFD to several destinations in Florida, including Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Orlando, and Tampa; as well as to Phoenix; and Las Vegas.

To celebrate the new route to Nashville, Allegiant is offering flights as low as $49.