By 1808Delaware
Delaware County residents will have a fresh way to reach the Florida Keys next spring. Starting May 21, 2026, Allegiant Air will begin twice-weekly nonstop flights from Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus to Key West.
The announcement came today from Columbus Regional Airport Authority President and CEO Joseph R. Nardone. He noted that the new route builds on a long partnership with Allegiant and adds a destination that travelers routinely ask for. Key West has always had a certain pull. Easy weather, a slower pulse, and the feeling that you’ve stepped out of the mainland without needing a passport.
How the Route Fits Into Rickenbacker’s Growth
Rickenbacker has been steadily building its passenger traffic, especially over the past two years. The airport, operated by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, posted record numbers in 2024. This year has continued that trajectory with a 17% jump in passengers.
The partnership with Allegiant Air has been the backbone of that growth. Allegiant first landed at Rickenbacker in 2012 and now offers 10 nonstop destinations, peaking at nearly 40 flights a week in the summer. The airline has carved out a niche for travelers who want low-fuss, low-fare trips to places where sunshine and beaches do most of the work.
Adding Key West might feel overdue. It’s not a sprawling hub, but it’s unmistakably itself. And for local travelers, avoiding a connection in a larger airport is a meaningful upgrade.
What Travelers Can Expect
Flights will operate on Thursdays and Sundays, which suits long weekends or four-day escapes. The timing also suggests Allegiant expects the Key West market to be more steady than seasonal.
Booking is already open on AllegiantAir.com, and fares will likely track with the airline’s usual pattern: inexpensive base prices paired with optional add-ons. For Delaware Countians used to starting their trips at John Glenn International, driving a few extra minutes south to Rickenbacker may turn out to be a decent tradeoff for skipping the crowds.
As routes continue to expand at both John Glenn International Airport and Rickenbacker, it’s becoming easier for local residents to treat Central Ohio’s airports as true gateways rather than backups. The Key West launch is another marker of that trend.
