Oct. 22—DULUTH — Sun Country Airlines will resume its seasonal service of direct flights between Duluth and Fort Myers, Florida, in 2024. The Duluth International Airport announced the return of the Fort Myers flights, which will run from Feb. 2 to April 24, 2024.
The timing of the service corresponds to the expected annual spike in demand for travel from Duluth's chilly climate to warmer environs. Sun Country began its seasonal service to southern latitudes in 2021; previous nonstop service from Duluth to Phoenix will not return in 2024, according to a news release.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with Sun Country and bring this direct flight to Fort Myers back to our region during the winter season," said Duluth International Airport Executive Director Tom Werner in a statement.
In an email accompanying the news release, Natalie Baker, the airport's director of communication and marketing, acknowledged that the airline industry continues to face "a severe pilot shortage." The shortage has particularly affected regional service, including a hoped-for nonstop route between Duluth and Denver.
"Many of our peer communities that we compete with for air service are not doing that well," Werner told the News Tribune in January. "So while we're not going to rest on our laurels, we're blessed to have what we have and are looking to grow from here."
The 2024 service to Fort Myers is planned for twice-weekly operation, on Mondays and Fridays. The airport is offering a 50% parking discount for Sun Country passengers.
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