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Travelers flying with Sun Country Airlines can expect additional schedule reductions later this year as the carrier works through a shortage of pilots (though its new parent company says the changes are intended to be short-lived).
Following Allegiant Travel Company’s acquisition of Sun Country, the airline has already reduced service from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). This includes a significant decrease in flights during September. Allegiant executives now acknowledge that more schedule adjustments are likely during the fourth quarter as staffing challenges continue according to The Minnesota Star Tribune.
According to Allegiant CEO Greg Anderson, the airline’s priority is to stabilize operations before rebuilding capacity in Minneapolis. He said the company remains committed to maintaining Sun Country’s long-standing presence in the Twin Cities and ultimately plans to grow the network once staffing levels improve.
The recent cuts have largely been attributed to higher-than-expected pilot attrition. While Allegiant had planned for increased flying across its passenger, charter, and cargo operations, the pace of pilot departures has exceeded expectations, creating operational challenges that have affected scheduled service.
The reductions have forced the airline to modify flights already on sale, requiring some customers to change their travel plans. Anderson acknowledged that the timing is less than ideal, particularly so soon after the acquisition, and said the company is working to notify affected passengers and minimize disruptions.
Beyond restoring the schedule, Allegiant is focused on strengthening relationships with Sun Country employees. Anderson said company leaders have been meeting regularly with flight crews in Minneapolis as they work to build trust during the integration of the two airlines.
Despite the recent staffing issues, Allegiant says it remains optimistic about recruiting and retaining pilots. The company reports continued interest from prospective pilots and expects hiring efforts to support future growth once current operational challenges ease.
Anthony’s Take: Sun Country has served the Minneapolis market for more than four decades and Allegiant says preserving that legacy remains central to its long-term strategy. While travelers may see fewer flights in the coming months, the company maintains that restoring and eventually expanding service from Minneapolis remains a key objective.
(Image Credits: Allegiant and Sun Country.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
