LAKELAND, Fla. — Polk County is set to officially launch passenger flights from Lakeland Linder International Airport for the first time in 12 years.
Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines has announced its long-awaited flight schedule that will put Lakeland on the map as a convenient travel hub between Tampa and Orlando.
Avelo announced a new route out of Lakeland to Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut during a press conference on Wednesday.
Avelo Airlines is the first commercial passenger airline to fly in and out of Lakeland Linder Airport in decades.
Lakeland first announced its agreement with the carrier In December, but it's taken months to reach the point where the airline felt confident enough to commit to a launch date.
The airport had to first prepare for passengers, including ticketing, parking, baggage, and TSA screening and security.
“You have to have this plan. It's a pretty thick document,” Lakeland International Airport Director Kris Hallstrand said. “And we have been working on that process for quite a while right now to get where we are at today.”
The new flight route will be available starting June 13, operating twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, with tickets starting at $72.
“As we see the increase of traffic on the highways, and that between Tampa and Orlando, it's so convenient to come to Lakeland,” Avelo customer Garry Unrath said.
“We've been on Avelo, and it worked out wonderful,” Unrath’s wife Cindy added. “Our connections were great. The service was good on the plane was nice and clean.”
While it was all smiles at the big launch event, there are still some in the community concerned about increased jet noise on top of Amazon's already expanded flight schedule.
Craig Cummings, who lives nearby has spoken with 10 Tampa Bay about the increased air traffic, which sometimes shakes his windows.
“It looks like I could look up and say something to the pilot. They feel so close sometimes,” Cummings said. “In our house in particular it goes almost right over the top. So, it can be pretty loud if you're outside.”
Lakeland Linder has been working with the FAA to provide relief by adjusting takeoff and landing patterns, which would then direct noisy air traffic over more commercial areas and roadways instead of people's houses.
In the meantime, the airport is clearly moving forward.
Less than two weeks ago, Lakeland commissioners approved a grant to study terminal and runway expansion. And just a few days later they unveiled a new logo.