T.F. Green Airport is making a play to lure airline customers from the Boston area. Allegiant Air announced last week they’ll begin direct flights from Providence. Travel journalist Bob Weiss says this is the latest in a series of airlines choosing to fly out of T.F. Green.
“I think more importantly, they’re making this a hub for discount carriers," Weiss said. "I think once people realize that, they’re going to take another look at Providence. I think Logan is going to continue to grow, but I think Providence is going to grow faster."
Green cites its location as easy and convenient. Almost two-thirds of New England’s population lives within a 75-mile radius of the Green airport, according to the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC).
“There’s lower parking rates than Logan Airport. But more importantly, there’s Peter Pan bus lines and MBTA purple lines right into the airport," Weiss said. "So the travelers taking these flights not only are going to get a good deal money wise, but also convenience."
Last month, Frontier Airlines chose Providence as its New England hub where it will begin its non-stop flight services from Rhode Island to Colorado and Florida this August.
The RIAC announced in February that Norwegian Airlines will begin its flight service to Ireland this summer. And a few weeks ago, RIAC revealed that Norwegian will offer cheap, direct flights to Guadalupe and Martinique starting this October. This means that Norwegian is transferring its winter flights to the Caribbean from Logan to Providence, Weiss said.
Even so, Weiss says Logan Airport is still going to be the “mecca” for international carriers. However, Green’s new discount carriers may challenge Massport’s efforts in attracting airlines to Worcester Airport.
Overall, Green’s addition of these three major discounted airlines is “bigger than Providence," Weiss said. “This is an important development for New England aviation.”
