An Allegiant airplane prepares to depart on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at the Chicago Rockford International Airport. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Allegiant has added new direct flights between Rockford and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting early next year.

The routes between the Chicago Rockford International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will begin on Feb. 12. The popular vacation destination is known for its beaches and canal system that earned it the nickname the “Venice of America.”

Tickets are on sale now. Flights depart on Thursdays and Sundays. Allegiant’s seasonal schedule to Fort Lauderdale runs through mid-August, but that could expand based on performance.

“It may start off as seasonal, but it’s one of those where if it performs how we think it’s going to perform, it’s not going to take long for it to be converted to a year-round destination,” Zack Oakley, executive director of RFD, told the Rock River Current. “Hopefully, we get support from the local market … and get this secured beyond the August schedule.”

Allegiant also flies between Rockford and four other locations in Florida: Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers and Sarasota. Other domestic destinations from RFD are Las Vegas, Phoenix and Nashville. RFD’s international destinations are Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico, Huatulco, Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of non-stop service to Ft. Lauderdale with Allegiant, expanding the travel options available to our regional travelers,” Oakley said. “This exciting new destination marks another milestone in our 20-year partnership with Allegiant, which we proudly celebrate this month. Together, we’ve worked to connect our community to more destinations throughout the country, and this new route is a testament to our shared commitment to growth, convenient travel, and exceptional service.”

The airline announced the new Rockford route on Tuesday among 30 new flights connecting 35 cities across the country. Many of those routes connected small to mid-sized cities with popular leisure destinations.

“We’re thrilled to continue Allegiant’s growth by adding these new routes,” Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer, said in a news release. “Our mission has always been to connect travelers to world-class destinations at an affordable price. These additions provide convenient options for leisure travelers and reflect our commitment to expanding service where demand is strong. As we grow, we remain focused on delivering the most value to our customers.”

An Allegiant plane prepares to depart on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at the Chicago Rockford International Airport. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas