People flying to Orlando International Airport will see more nonstop domestic flights next year with the introduction of a new low-cost carrier to its roster of airlines.

On Thursday, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Thibault confirmed Allegiant Airlines, a Las Vegas-based travel company, will begin offering three destinations from the airport next summer.

New routes at MCO include Asheville, North Carolina from the Asheville Regional Airport; Allentown, Pennsylvania from the Lehigh Valley International Airport; and Knoxville, Tennessee from the McGhee Tyson Airport.

All routes will begin in May and one-way fares are expected to range between $49 and $59, according to the airline.

“Allegiant reached out to us as they were looking to expand clearly their presence here in Central Florida,” Thibault told reporters at a press conference Thursday.

He added that the expansion of Allegiant Airlines further solidifies MCO as the top provider of non-stop domestic flights in the state.

“That has always been the hallmark here at MCO,” Thibault said.

Orlando International Airport will have 111 nonstop flights with the additional Allegiant Airlines routes.

Around 30 miles to the north, Orlando Sanford International Airport serves as one of the largest bases in Allegiant Airlines’ network, with 66 routes from airport. That will not change.

Sonya Padgett, a spokesperson for the airline, said the three MCO routes from ABE, TYS, and AVL, are available from SFB as well, and will continue to be multiple times a week.

“The addition of these flights into MCO will allow us to increase capacity from these locations,” Padgett said.

At a press conference called to offer travel tips during what is expected to be a busy holiday season, Thibault mentioned the authority that runs Orlando International Airport will work closely with the community to make sure travelers are not confused by one airline serving two local airports with similar sounding names.

Orlando International Airport handled more than 55 million passengers last year and is expecting a 17% increase during this year’s holiday season. By comparison, the Sanford airport saw 2.8 million passengers go through its gates last year.

arabines@orlandosentinel.com

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