Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
McAllen International Airport (MFE) proudly announced the inauguration of its non-stop flight from Tampa-St—Petersburg, Florida, to McAllen, Texas, in partnership with Allegiant Airlines. St. Petersburg, known as “The Sunshine City,” is a popular travel destination celebrated for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, vibrant arts scene, and clear sunny skies.
This new route marks a significant milestone in McAllen’s journey to enhance connectivity and promote tourism. The collaboration between McAllen International Airport, Allegiant Airlines, and the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport underscores a collective effort to provide passengers with memorable and hassle-free travel experiences nationwide.
Jeremy Santoscoy, P.E., Director of Aviation for McAllen International Airport, expressed gratitude for Allegiant Airlines’ close collaboration, highlighting the airline’s commitment to offering nonstop flights to popular destinations, thereby reducing travel time and enhancing passenger convenience.
“I think this is an incredible milestone for McAllen International Airport. This is now our 8th non-stop flight to a premier destination,” Santoscoy said. “We are also very excited to see our relationship with Allegiant Airlines grow.”
Mayor Javier Villalobos emphasized the economic importance of direct flights, citing their positive impact on local economies and job creation. He highlighted the role of travel and tourism in supporting various industries and driving economic growth. The new flight facilitates leisure travel and fosters business relations between McAllen and Tampa-St—Petersburg, paving the way for future opportunities.
“Non-stop flights like this do much more than just connect two destinations,” Mayor Villalobos said. “They connect people, opportunities, economies, and help make dreams happen.”
City of McAllen Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., also spoke at the inaugural event, sharing his excitement about the future of McAllen International Airport. He noted that nearly 1 million passengers flew in and out of the airport last year alone. Rodriguez emphasized that non-stop routes like this will continue to drive the city’s growth.
“The McAllen International Airport doesn’t just serve our community; it supports our entire region,” City Manager Rodriguez said.
McAllen International Airport announced a special giveaway for its social media followers as part of the celebration. Participants can enter to win two roundtrip tickets to Tampa, Florida, courtesy of Allegiant Airlines. Participants can enter by visiting FLYMFE.COM or taking selfies at the NONSTOP SUMMER Selfie Station.
When entering, social media followers should tag @McAllenInternationalAirport and submit a photo to the giveaway form. The giveaway ends on July 31, 2024, and the winner will be announced on August 1, 2024. The lucky winner will be randomly selected and contacted directly by MFE’s official social media pages.
McAllen International Airport also offers its passengers a Nonstop Summer perk. Each day a traveler uses MFE’s short-term parking, they will receive $5 off.
McAllen International Airport extends its gratitude to all involved in making this inaugural flight a reality. It looks forward to welcoming travelers from Tampa-St—Petersburg and showcasing McAllen’s hospitality, warmth, and inviting community.
