Allegiant Air Shuts Down Two Crew Bases as Airline Braces for Merger

Closures in Bellingham and Savannah mark significant contraction ahead of Sun Country acquisition.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:00pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a polished metal model airplane, a stack of airline tickets, and a pair of pilot wings arranged on a clean, monochromatic grey background, symbolizing the business strategy and operational changes behind Allegiant Air's crew base closures.As Allegiant Air restructures ahead of a major merger, the airline's decision to shutter crew bases in Bellingham and Savannah reflects broader industry shifts impacting regional air travel.Bellingham Today

Allegiant Air has confirmed it will permanently close crew bases at two U.S. airports - Bellingham International Airport (BLI) in Washington State and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) in Georgia - effective November 2, 2026, as the ultra-low-cost carrier navigates a sweeping network restructuring alongside its landmark acquisition of Sun Country Airlines.

Why it matters

The twin closures mark a significant contraction of Allegiant's ground-level staffing footprint, even as the airline insists passenger-facing flight operations at both airports will remain intact. The moves come as Allegiant prepares for its $2.1 billion all-stock merger with Sun Country Airlines, one of the most consequential deals in U.S. budget aviation history.

The details

In Bellingham, Allegiant cited changes in cross-border demand patterns and operating conditions as factors behind the closure, which will impact over 100 employees. In Savannah, Allegiant is winding down a $50 million investment it made in 2019 to establish a base with two Airbus aircraft and 66 new jobs. Both airports say Allegiant will continue operating existing routes and maintaining current flight schedules, transitioning to a "turn-based" model where crews and aircraft operate from other bases.

  • Allegiant confirmed the Bellingham closure on April 1, 2026.
  • Allegiant's Savannah base will close effective November 2, 2026.
  • The Bellingham-Oakland (OAK) nonstop flight will be suspended effective May 26, 2026.

The players

Allegiant Air

An American ultra-low-cost carrier and a subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company.

Sun Country Airlines

An American airline based in Minnesota that operates scheduled passenger and charter services.

Bellingham International Airport

An airport serving Bellingham, Washington and the surrounding region.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

An airport serving Savannah, Georgia and the surrounding region.

Maury Gallagher

The CEO of Allegiant Air.

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What they’re saying

“This combination creates a unique player in American aviation. Sun Country's operational excellence and charter expertise perfectly complement our leisure-focused route network and customer base.”

— Maury Gallagher, CEO, Allegiant Air

“This decision is related to how Allegiant organizes its internal operations, not its commitment to the traveling public of Whatcom County. Allegiant will continue to serve BLI, and passengers will see no change to routes or service.”

— Matt Rodriguez, Director of Aviation, Bellingham International Airport

“Allegiant has informed us of the closing of their crew and maintenance base at SAV in November 2026. While it's not the news we expected, passengers will not be impacted as Allegiant will continue to serve Savannah/Hilton Head International with their current flight schedule.”

— Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Spokesperson

What’s next

November 2, 2026 is the date when Allegiant's crew bases at Bellingham and Savannah will officially close, though the airline will continue operating flights at both airports.

The takeaway

These base closures reflect broader industry challenges facing airlines, including fluctuating fuel costs, shifting passenger demand, and regional cost pressures. As Allegiant prepares for its merger with Sun Country, it is optimizing its network and operations, but has assured passengers that flight schedules will be maintained at both affected airports.