Which Airlines Fly Out of Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG)? A Traveler’s Complete Guide

Planning a trip from Airlines Out of Niagara Falls can feel tricky. You might wonder which airlines actually fly out of this airport. Let me share what I’ve learned after flying from both Niagara Falls International Airport and Buffalo.

Allegiant Air is currently the only airline operating regular flights from Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) as of 2025.

My Experience with Niagara Falls Airport

I remember my first trip to Niagara Falls. I assumed I’d fly into Buffalo like most people. But then I discovered IAG airport. It sits much closer to the falls. Only 15 minutes by car instead of 45 minutes from Buffalo.

My first flight from IAG was eye-opening. The airport felt intimate. No long lines or confusing terminals. Just a simple building with friendly staff. The only airline operating here is Allegiant Air, which makes things wonderfully straightforward.

Understanding your airline options matters here. Unlike big airports with dozens of carriers, IAG keeps things simple. This guide will help you navigate what’s available and make smart travel choices.

Current Airlines Operating at Niagara Falls International Airport (2025)

Allegiant Air – The Primary Carrier

Allegiant Air dominates flights from Niagara Falls. I’ve flown with them multiple times from IAG. They operate a no-frills model that keeps costs low. Their planes are clean and staff friendly.

Allegiant Air flies to multiple destinations from IAG, primarily serving Florida and southern US cities.

The new route from Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) includes Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) – beginning May 22, 2025 with one-way fares as low as $59. This shows Allegiant continues expanding their network.

Two types of aircrafts are in use. The Airbus A31X/32X and the Boeing 737. Both planes offer comfortable seating for short to medium flights. I’ve flown both types and found them reliable.

Allegiant’s booking system works differently than major carriers. They charge for extras like seat selection and bags. But base fares stay low. I learned to pack light and check prices carefully.

Recent Changes in Airline Service

The airline landscape at IAG has shifted over recent years. In October 2020, Spirit Airlines suspended all of their flights from Niagara Falls International Airport. This left many travelers scrambling for alternatives.

I was actually booked on a Spirit flight when they announced the suspension. It taught me why smaller airports face challenges keeping multiple carriers. Airlines need consistent passenger numbers to make routes profitable.

Spirit Airlines no longer serves IAG as of 2020, leaving Allegiant as the sole carrier.

Other airlines have come and gone over the years. Each departure affects local travelers. It’s why I always have backup plans when flying from smaller airports like IAG.

Popular Destinations from Niagara Falls Airport

Domestic Destinations

Allegiant focuses heavily on warm-weather destinations. Florida routes dominate their schedule. The route with the longest flighttime from Niagara Falls (IAG) is to Punta Gorda. This Florida destination remains popular with travelers escaping cold winters.

Popular destinations include Punta Gorda, Orlando, Tampa, and Myrtle Beach, primarily serving vacation travelers.

I’ve taken their Punta Gorda flight twice. It’s about 2.5 hours and lands near Fort Myers. Perfect for beach vacations. The flight frequency varies by season, with more options during winter months.

Southern US destinations also feature prominently. These routes serve both vacation and family visit purposes. I’ve noticed many passengers heading to see relatives in warmer climates.

Flight Frequency and Schedules

There are roughly 31 flights departing from Niagara Falls every month (or 7 flights each week). This limited schedule means advance planning is essential. You can’t just show up and expect multiple daily options.

Approximately 7 flights per week operate from IAG, requiring careful advance booking.

Seasonal variations affect availability significantly. Winter months see more flights to Florida. Summer brings different destination options. I’ve learned to book 2-3 months ahead for best prices and seat selection.

The limited schedule has advantages too. Airport operations stay smooth. Security lines move quickly. You’re not fighting crowds like at major hubs.

IAG vs BUF: Understanding the Difference (Common Confusion Addressed)

Are IAG and BUF the Same Airport?

No, IAG and BUF are completely different airports located about 20 miles apart.

This confusion trips up many visitors. Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) sits in Niagara Falls, New York. Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) operates from Cheektowaga, near Buffalo. The drive between them takes 30-40 minutes without traffic.

I’ve used both airports extensively. They serve different purposes. IAG offers convenience for Niagara Falls visitors. BUF provides more airline choices and destinations.

When to Choose IAG vs BUF

My decision framework developed through experience. Choose IAG when you want convenience and simplicity. The airport sits closer to tourist attractions. Parking costs less. Check-in takes minutes, not hours.

Choose IAG for convenience and proximity to Niagara Falls; choose BUF for more airline options and destinations.

Choose BUF when you need airline variety or specific destinations. Major carriers to the airport include: American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, United and Vacation Express by Sunwing. This variety offers more scheduling flexibility.

Cost comparisons vary by destination. Sometimes IAG flights cost more due to limited competition. Other times, Allegiant’s low-fare model wins. I always check both airports when planning trips.

My Real-World Airport Comparison

IAG feels like a small-town airport. You can arrive 90 minutes early and still have time to spare. The terminal offers basic amenities. Food options are limited but adequate.

BUF operates more like a traditional airport. With up to 100 nonstop flights per day to 31 destinations, it bustles with activity. More restaurants, shops, and services available.

IAG offers simplicity and convenience; BUF provides more amenities and flight options.

For Niagara Falls tourism, I recommend IAG when Allegiant serves your destination. The convenience factor outweighs limited options. For business travel or complex itineraries, BUF usually works better.

International vs Domestic Airlines at IAG

Domestic Airlines (Current Reality)

Currently, only domestic service operates from IAG. Allegiant Air handles all scheduled passenger flights. This focus keeps operations simple but limits international connectivity.

Only domestic airlines operate from IAG, specifically Allegiant Air for scheduled service.

Historical domestic carriers included Spirit Airlines before their 2020 departure. Other airlines have tested the market over the years. Most found passenger volumes insufficient for sustained service.

International Service Reality Check

As far as we know there are no international flights from Niagara Falls International. This creates challenges for international travelers visiting the falls.

No international flights currently operate from IAG.

Why does international service remain limited? Smaller airports struggle with customs facilities and passenger volumes. International routes need consistent demand. IAG’s location near the Canadian border might seem logical, but regulatory and business factors complicate service.

Alternative options exist for international travelers. Toronto Pearson Airport offers extensive international service. Buffalo provides some international routes. Both require additional ground transportation to reach Niagara Falls.

Booking and Travel Tips from Experience

Best Practices for Flying from IAG

Advance booking saves money and ensures seat availability. I’ve learned to book 60-90 days ahead for best Allegiant fares. Their pricing system rewards early planners.

Book 60-90 days in advance for best fares and seat selection at IAG.

Seasonal pricing patterns favor shoulder seasons. Winter flights to Florida cost more due to demand. Spring and fall often offer better deals. I track prices over several weeks before booking.

Airport arrival timing needs less buffer than major airports. I arrive 90 minutes early for domestic flights. Security moves quickly. Check-in rarely involves long waits.

Alternative Airports and Transportation

Consider Buffalo airport when Allegiant doesn’t serve your destination. The 30-minute drive isn’t prohibitive. Buffalo offers more airlines and routes.

Buffalo Airport (BUF) offers more options but requires 30-40 minutes additional travel time.

Toronto Pearson serves international travelers well. The drive takes about 90 minutes from Niagara Falls. You’ll cross an international border, so factor in customs time.

Ground transportation between airports varies. Rental cars offer flexibility. Shuttle services operate but require advance booking. I prefer driving myself for schedule control.

What to Expect at Niagara Falls Airport

IAG remains refreshingly simple. One terminal handles all operations. Parking sits directly outside the building. No shuttle buses or long walks required.

IAG is a small, simple airport with easy parking and quick check-in processes.

Amenities include basic food service and gift shops. Don’t expect extensive dining or shopping options. The simplicity appeals to travelers tired of airport complexity.

Parking costs significantly less than major airports. Rates stay reasonable even for extended trips. I’ve never had trouble finding spaces, even during peak travel times.

Future Outlook for Airlines Out of Niagara Falls

Potential for New Carriers

Market demand continues growing as Niagara Falls tourism rebounds. More visitors could attract additional airlines. The challenge remains seasonal fluctuations in passenger numbers.

New airlines may consider IAG as tourism grows, but seasonal demand fluctuations present challenges.

Seasonal expansion possibilities look promising. Airlines might test summer routes to different destinations. Winter service to warm destinations will likely continue dominating.

Tourism impact affects airline decisions significantly. Strong visitor numbers encourage service expansion. Economic factors and fuel costs also influence carrier interest.

Making the Right Choice for Your Niagara Falls Trip

Choosing airlines out of Niagara Falls comes down to balancing convenience with options. IAG offers unmatched proximity to the falls and simple operations. The single airline model keeps things straightforward.

Key takeaway: Allegiant Air provides the only scheduled service from IAG, focusing on leisure destinations with limited but adequate frequency.

My recommendation depends on your priorities. Choose IAG when Allegiant serves your destination and you value convenience. The small airport experience appeals to many travelers tired of crowded terminals.

Consider Buffalo airport for more airline choices and destinations. The extra driving time often pays off in scheduling flexibility and pricing options.

Plan ahead regardless of your choice. Limited service from IAG requires advance booking. Even BUF benefits from early planning during peak travel periods.

The airlines out of Niagara Falls may be limited, but the experience often exceeds expectations. Simple operations, friendly staff, and convenient location make IAG a hidden gem for the right traveler.

Frequently Asked Questions