Central Illinois Airport Launches Non-Stop Flights to Phoenix

New Allegiant service offers two weekly flights from Bloomington to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA) in Bloomington, Illinois is launching new non-stop seasonal flights to Phoenix, Arizona starting on Friday night. The airport is celebrating the inaugural flight with a gate celebration before the 9:30 p.m. departure. The new Allegiant service will offer two flights per week between CIRA and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, providing more travel options for residents and businesses in the Twin Cities area.

Why it matters

This new flight route is expected to be popular, as the inaugural February flights are already 90% full. The service will benefit local residents looking for direct flights to Phoenix, as well as businesses like State Farm which has a major hub in the Phoenix area.

The details

The new non-stop flights between Bloomington, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona are being operated by Allegiant. The seasonal service will run twice a week, with flights departing CIRA on Friday and Sunday evenings. A celebration is planned at Gate Nine before the first flight takes off on Friday at 9:30 p.m.

  • The new Allegiant flights will begin on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The inaugural flight celebration at Gate Nine will take place before the 9:30 p.m. departure on February 14, 2026.

The players

Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA)

The main airport serving the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area in central Illinois.

Allegiant

A low-cost American airline that offers scheduled and charter air travel, baggage handling, and related services.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)

A public airport in the Phoenix metropolitan area, located in the city of Mesa, Arizona.

Melissa Beaver

The marketing and communications manager for the Central Illinois Regional Airport.

State Farm

A major insurance company that has a significant presence and hub in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

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What they’re saying

“It means options for them. It's just another nonstop direct flight for people straight from Central Illinois to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.”

— Melissa Beaver, Marketing and Communications Manager, Central Illinois Regional Airport (centralillinoisproud.com)

What’s next

The new Allegiant flights between Bloomington and Phoenix will continue to operate on a seasonal basis, with two weekly flights scheduled through the spring and summer months.

The takeaway

This new non-stop flight route from Central Illinois to Phoenix provides greater travel flexibility and options for both leisure and business travelers in the region, helping to connect the Bloomington-Normal area more directly with the growing Phoenix metropolitan market.