WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Bellingham International Airport (BLI) officials were notified by Allegiant Air on April 1, 2026, that the airline will close its crew base in November 2026. The transition will shift operations to a turn-based model, where crews and aircraft originate from other bases and return without overnight stays in Bellingham.
The airline will maintain its current schedules and routes at Bellingham.
Allegiant began service at BLI in 2004 with flights to Las Vegas. The airline opened its Bellingham crew base, its 6th at the time, in 2008.
“This decision is related to how Allegiant organizes its internal operations, not its commitment to the traveling public of Whatcom County,” said Matt Rodriguez, Director of Aviation at Bellingham International Airport.
Economic factors cited as challenges currently facing airlines nationwide include fluctuating fuel costs, shifts in passenger demand, and, more locally, changes in cross-border travel from Canadian passengers.
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Gosh darn it!!! There goes my ride to Vegas. It is very doubtful I will travel to Vegas once Allegiant is no longer in BLI. The thought of driving to SEA or YVR for flights isn’t even an option for me. It was such a convenience to step off a plane here in Bellingham and be 20 minutes from home. Very sorry to see Allegiant leave Bellingham.