Chattanooga, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is set to enhance its air travel options with Allegiant Air and United Airlines launching new routes. Allegiant will offer nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale, while United will connect the city to Newark. This expansion comes as Spirit Airlines exits the market amid bankruptcy. Both airlines aim to fill the gap and provide more connectivity for local travelers.
Chattanooga is set for an increase in air travel options with two major airlines introducing new routes following the impending departure of Spirit Airlines. Allegiant Air will launch a nonstop route from Chattanooga to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 12, 2026, offering introductory one-way fares starting at $49. Meanwhile, United Airlines will initiate a nonstop service linking Chattanooga and Newark, New Jersey, five days a week starting January 6, 2026. These moves come as a direct response to Spirit Airlines discontinuing its flights from the city due to a second bankruptcy process, set to take effect on October 4, 2025.
Allegiant’s new service to Fort Lauderdale reflects the airline’s commitment to investing in Chattanooga, where it already operates flights to Orlando. By providing this direct connection, Allegiant aims to attract leisure travelers from the area, continuing its strategy to serve smaller markets with affordable options. Chattanooga Airport CEO April Cameron emphasized the advantages of the new Allegiant service, stating that it will benefit both local travelers and those visiting the city.
United Airlines’ service to Newark will operate five days a week, excluding Tuesdays and Saturdays, facilitating access to a major business hub. Newark is a favored destination among both business and leisure travelers because it serves as a gateway to New York City and numerous global locations. The Newark hub provides flights to an impressive 176 locations across 56 countries, including 40 destinations in Europe, making it an essential link for international travelers.
Spirit Airlines had initiated direct flights connecting Chattanooga to Newark, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando in June 2025. However, the airline’s decision to cease operations marks a setback for local air travel, highlighting the challenges that smaller airlines often face in sustaining their business models in the competitive airline industry. The exit of Spirit Airlines from Chattanooga has created an opening for Allegiant and United Airlines to expand their respective services in the city.
Allegiant Air, focusing on leisure travel from underserved small and medium-sized cities, previously operated the Fort Lauderdale route until 2009, indicating a renewed interest in providing service to this destination. As the airline prepares to resume this route, it aims to attract travelers looking for affordable vacation options. United Airlines is recognized as a key partner for Chattanooga Airport and has continued to expand flight options for the area, further enhancing the city’s connectivity.
Summary of New Flights
| Airline | Destination | Start Date | Frequency | Introductory Fares |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | Fort Lauderdale, FL | February 12, 2026 | Nonstop | $49 (one-way) |
| United Airlines | Newark, NJ | January 6, 2026 | 5 days/week (no flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays) | N/A |
Background Context
The news of these new flights comes as Spirit Airlines prepares to exit the Chattanooga market after a brief period of service. The competitive landscape of airlines serving smaller markets continues to evolve, with Allegiant and United looking to fill the gap left by Spirit’s departure. Both airlines are positioned to meet the needs of local travelers by providing desirable routes that connect Chattanooga to major travel hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new routes are being introduced from Chattanooga?
Allegiant Air is launching a nonstop route to Fort Lauderdale, and United Airlines is introducing a nonstop service to Newark.
When will the new routes begin?
The Allegiant route to Fort Lauderdale will start on February 12, 2026, while United Airlines will begin its service to Newark on January 6, 2026.
What are the fares for Allegiant’s new route?
The introductory one-way fares for Allegiant’s service to Fort Lauderdale will start at $49.
What is the frequency of United Airlines’ flights to Newark?
United Airlines will operate flights to Newark five days a week, excluding Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Why is Spirit Airlines leaving Chattanooga?
Spirit Airlines is discontinuing their flights from Chattanooga due to entering a second bankruptcy process.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Allegiant Picks Up Chattanooga Flight Dropped By Spirit
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Palm Beach Post: Allegiant Florida Flights
- Google Search: Chattanooga flights
- Local 3 News: United Airlines Direct Flights to Newark
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airline
- CBS News: Spirit Airlines Flights
- Google News: Allegiant Air
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
