South Jersey’s air travel landscape is gaining renewed momentum as Spirit Airlines prepares to relaunch its popular seasonal route connecting Atlantic City International Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport. The announcement marks a significant development for regional transportation, tourism, and economic activity, reinforcing Atlantic City’s role as a strategic departure hub while delivering expanded access to one of the East Coast’s most sought-after coastal destinations.
Beginning April 15, Spirit Airlines will operate five weekly flights between Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) and Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), restoring a highly requested spring and summer connection that has historically drawn strong demand from South Jersey travelers seeking affordable leisure travel.
The move strengthens the airline’s long-standing presence in the region and highlights continued investment in accessible, low-cost air service that connects New Jersey residents with major vacation markets across the United States.
A Strategic Return for One of Atlantic City’s Most Requested Routes
The return of the Atlantic City–Myrtle Beach route reflects both strong passenger demand and a broader recovery in seasonal leisure travel. Myrtle Beach remains one of the most popular destinations for travelers departing from Atlantic City, offering accessible beachfront tourism, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions that appeal to a wide range of vacationers throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Spirit Airlines leadership emphasized that the route provides a streamlined and affordable travel option for South Jersey residents seeking direct access to the South Carolina coast without the congestion or extended travel times associated with larger regional airports.
Andrea Lusso, Vice President of Network Planning for Spirit Airlines, underscored the importance of the route in the airline’s broader network strategy, noting that Myrtle Beach continues to rank among the most in-demand destinations for Atlantic City travelers. The seasonal service is designed to meet peak spring and summer travel demand while strengthening Spirit’s footprint in the region.
The restored route is expected to serve multiple traveler segments, including:
• Family vacationers planning summer beach trips
• Golf and leisure travelers visiting Myrtle Beach’s resort communities
• Weekend travelers seeking quick coastal getaways
• Budget-conscious passengers prioritizing nonstop travel options
• Regional tourism traffic between New Jersey and South Carolina
By aligning the schedule with peak travel months, the airline aims to maximize accessibility while supporting both tourism economies.
Reinforcing Atlantic City International Airport as a Regional Gateway
The resumption of seasonal service further establishes Atlantic City International Airport as a key transportation hub for South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia region. ACY continues to position itself as a convenient alternative to larger metropolitan airports, offering shorter wait times, simplified terminal experiences, and direct access to major leisure destinations.
Spirit Airlines remains the largest and longest-serving carrier at Atlantic City International Airport, maintaining more than three decades of continuous service. The airline’s sustained presence has played a critical role in shaping the airport’s identity as a leisure-focused travel gateway with strong connections to Florida and other high-demand vacation markets.
With the addition of Myrtle Beach service, Spirit’s current Atlantic City network includes daily nonstop flights to:
• Fort Lauderdale
• Fort Myers
• Orlando
• Tampa
• West Palm Beach
Together, these routes form a robust portfolio of sun-and-sand destinations, positioning Atlantic City as a strategic departure point for East Coast travelers seeking convenient coastal travel options year-round.
Regional Economic Impact and Transportation Growth
The seasonal expansion is also expected to generate measurable economic benefits for South Jersey. Increased passenger traffic typically drives growth across multiple sectors, including hospitality, tourism services, ground transportation, and airport operations.
Local transportation officials view the returning route as a positive indicator of sustained regional investment and expanding connectivity. The South Jersey Transportation Authority welcomed the announcement, citing Spirit Airlines’ longstanding partnership with Atlantic City International Airport and its continued commitment to serving the region.
Expanded service supports broader transportation goals that include:
• Strengthening South Jersey’s travel infrastructure
• Enhancing tourism-driven economic activity
• Increasing regional accessibility
• Supporting job growth tied to aviation and hospitality
• Expanding consumer choice in air travel
As Atlantic City continues to evolve as both a tourism and business destination, enhanced air service plays a central role in supporting long-term regional development.
Growing Demand for Affordable Leisure Travel
Spirit Airlines’ ultra-low-cost carrier model has significantly influenced travel behavior across the United States, particularly among leisure travelers seeking accessible airfare options. The return of the Atlantic City–Myrtle Beach route reflects a continued shift toward value-driven travel planning, where cost efficiency and nonstop convenience drive booking decisions.
The airline’s strategy focuses on delivering base fares that allow passengers to customize their travel experience, an approach that has proven especially effective in price-sensitive leisure markets. For South Jersey travelers, the availability of direct seasonal service eliminates the need for extended drives to larger airports, further increasing the appeal of Atlantic City departures.
This model also aligns with broader travel trends, including:
• Increased domestic leisure travel demand
• Growth in regional airport usage
• Preference for direct routes to vacation destinations
• Seasonal travel optimization by airlines
• Continued expansion of low-cost carrier networks
As travelers prioritize flexibility and affordability, seasonal route planning has become an essential tool for airlines seeking to balance demand with operational efficiency.
Strengthening Connections Between Two Major Coastal Tourism Markets
The Atlantic City–Myrtle Beach route links two prominent East Coast tourism economies, each known for its vibrant entertainment offerings, beachfront experiences, and hospitality industries.
Atlantic City serves as a major resort destination with a nationally recognized boardwalk, casino industry, live entertainment venues, and expanding tourism infrastructure. Myrtle Beach, meanwhile, attracts millions of visitors annually with its extensive shoreline, golf courses, amusement attractions, and family-focused vacation environment.
Direct air service between the two regions facilitates tourism exchange while strengthening economic ties across state lines. The route also enhances accessibility for seasonal residents, business travelers, and hospitality professionals operating within both markets.
Enhancing the South Jersey Transportation Ecosystem
The expansion of air service at Atlantic City International Airport reflects broader developments within New Jersey’s transportation landscape. The state continues to prioritize infrastructure modernization, regional mobility, and expanded travel options across air, rail, and roadway networks.
Within South Jersey, improved airport connectivity supports long-term regional planning initiatives focused on accessibility, economic resilience, and tourism growth. The seasonal Myrtle Beach service complements ongoing efforts to enhance the region’s transportation ecosystem and elevate Atlantic City’s position as a competitive travel hub.
Travelers seeking additional information about flights, schedules, and booking options can visit Spirit Airlines.
A Renewed Travel Opportunity for South Jersey Residents
The return of Spirit Airlines’ seasonal Atlantic City–Myrtle Beach flights represents more than a route restoration—it signals continued confidence in South Jersey’s travel market, expanding consumer choice, and strengthening regional connectivity during peak travel seasons.
With spring and summer demand expected to remain strong, the restored service provides a convenient, affordable, and direct pathway from New Jersey’s southern coast to one of the nation’s premier beach destinations. For travelers, tourism operators, and regional planners alike, the route underscores Atlantic City International Airport’s growing influence within the Northeast’s evolving transportation network and its continued role in shaping the future of accessible leisure travel.
