After a one-winter hiatus during 2026, Sun Country Airlines will resume its popular seasonal nonstop service in January linking frigid Minneapolis-St. Paul with sunny Melbourne.
Sun Country flights will begin Jan. 22 from Melbourne Orlando International Airport, and service will last until April 2.
“The demand for this route has been strong because it connects two regions that have a natural relationship. Many people split their time between Minnesota and Florida, while others travel to visit family and friends or enjoy a winter getaway on the Space Coast,” Greg Donovan, executive director of the Melbourne airport, said in an email.
“We’ve seen travelers embrace the convenience of this nonstop service, which is why we’re excited to see it return,” Donovan said.
Sun Country’s seasonal Twin Cities flights debuted on Florida’s Space Coast in February 2023. Later that year, Donovan told the Melbourne Airport Authority meeting the carrier’s Boeing 737 flights averaged a robust 89% of passenger capacity.
The airline did not offer Melbourne service earlier this year because of an equipment availability issue, said Melissa Naughton, the airport’s assistant director of business development and marketing.
In January, Allegiant Air announced it would acquire Sun Country in a $1.5 billion deal. The deal wrapped up in mid-May.
A press release said both airlines will serve about 22 million annual passengers across nearly 175 cities, with more than 650 routes and a combined fleet of 195 aircraft. By combining both low-cost carriers, Allegiant predicted it will save about $140 million in annual synergies within three years.
Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY, where he has covered news since 2004. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Sun Country to resume Twin Cities-Melbourne flights this winter at MLB
Reporting by Rick Neale, Florida Today / Florida Today
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By Rick Neale, Florida Today | USA TODAY Network
