Sarasota Is Back! Plus, MLI’s Busiest Month in More Than a Decade
August 21, 2026
Nonstop service from MLI to Sarasota returns March 12 through April 26 with Allegiant! Flights will operate Mondays and Fridays, making it easy to plan anything from a long weekend to a full spring break getaway.And here’s a tip before you book: Allegiant tickets purchased in person at the airport can save you $22 per person, per segment. Ticket counter hours vary, so check QCAirport.com before making the trip.
Whether you’re heading for the beaches, warmer weather or a spring escape, you can start your trip close to home at MLI. Book now!
A Record-Breaking July
July was our busiest month since October 2013! Delta led the year-over-year growth, supported by the addition of a third daily flight to Atlanta, while United also saw strong gains with increased frequency to Chicago. Most importantly, our community responded to those additional seats by filling them. That matters.
Airlines look closely at how existing service performs when deciding where to add flights, increase capacity or launch new routes. Strong passenger numbers give us stronger results to bring to the table as we advocate for more air service at MLI.
When airlines invest in the Quad Cities, we need to show them that investment pays off. Every trip that starts at MLI helps make the case for what comes next.
Register Now: Girls in Aviation Day Returns September 19
Girls in Aviation Day is all about introducing young people to the possibilities of aviation. From getting up close with aircraft to meeting the people who work in the industry every day, this free event gives kids a chance to explore aviation careers, ask questions and discover just how many ways there are to be part of this exciting field.
Our sixth annual event takes place Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Quad Cities Aero at the airport. This open-house style event allows everyone to explore at their own pace. Registration is strongly encouraged, so click here to sign up!
We’re grateful to our co-hosts and sponsors Elliott Aviation and Jet Air Inc., who make this event possible.
When Training Gets Real
Earlier this month, 200 people participated in our FAA-required triennial full-scale emergency exercise. Led by Airport Police & Fire Chief Jeff Swan, the exercise simulated a major aircraft emergency and brought together law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, hospitals, airport staff and volunteer victims from across the region. Then Mother Nature added another challenge.
Severe late-summer storms moved through the area during the exercise, pulling some participating agencies away to respond to real emergencies. Driving rain created additional challenges for responders and our volunteer victims, while the weather also tested communications.
It wasn’t the scenario we planned, but that’s also the point of these exercises. Training through unexpected challenges helps us and our regional partners identify what works, what needs improvement and how we can respond even better when it matters most.
A huge thank you to Chief Swan, our participating agencies and every volunteer who helped make this year’s exercise possible.
From growing air service and record passenger activity to inspiring future aviators and preparing for the unexpected, it’s been a busy summer at MLI. Thank you for continuing to support your hometown airport and helping us build an even stronger future for air travel in the Quad Cities.