St. Pete-Clearwater Sun

Allegiant Airlines will begin three new nonstop routes from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), expanding travel options from the Gulf Coast airport. The new service includes flights to Atlantic City and Trenton, New Jersey, and Huntsville, Alabama. The Atlantic City flights started Friday; Trenton service begins Feb. 20, and Huntsville flights start March 5. With these additions, PIE’s nonstop destinations rise to 63.

The airport has seen continued growth in passenger traffic, handling about 2.8 million travelers in 2025, a record high. PIE is also among the more affordable U.S. airports for round-trip fares, with an average ticket price of around $161. To support rising demand, a new $60 million parking garage is planned to open in 2027, and early planning is underway for a $110 million terminal project.

Local Travel and Economic Context

PIE’s expansion reflects broader growth in travel and tourism in the St. Pete–Clearwater area. The airport’s passenger increases over the past decade have transformed it from a smaller regional facility to a mid-sized airport with significant connectivity, largely driven by Allegiant’s low-cost network.

According to transportation and economic reports, the airport has a multi-billion-dollar regional economic impact, supporting thousands of jobs and facilitating travel for both leisure and business visitors. A 2023 study found PIE contributed about $3.4 billion to the local economy and supported more than 21,000 jobs in the Tampa Bay region.

Tourism in Pinellas County overall also drives significant economic activity. In fiscal year 2024, officials reported that visitor spending generated more than $11.2 billion in economic impact, with over 15 million visitors to the destination. Many of these travelers use PIE or nearby airports to access the region’s beaches, hotels, and attractions. The airport’s growth has spurred infrastructure projects and local transit discussions aimed at improving access and capacity, while also reinforcing PIE’s role in the region’s travel and economic ecosystem.

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