Sun Country adds flights to Minneapolis

HEBRON, Ky. — The ribbon-cutting Friday for Sun Country Airline's new service to Minneapolis from Cincinnati could be considered a coming-out party for the entire airline industry, according to airport CEO Candace McGraw.

"It's almost a liberation,'' McGraw said, referring to the robust start to the summer travel season at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). "Leisure travel is definitely back.''

As the pandemic wanes, vaccinations increase and some restrictions are lifted, consumers are rushing out to eat, drink, shop - and, yes, vacation.

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport expects to recover 80% of pre-pandemic passenger volumes this summer as a result of the surge in leisure travel, McGaw told The Enquirer at the airport Friday.

In response, the airport so far this year has added eight new routes and two new carriers: Alaska Airlines and Sun Country, which Friday began it's twice-weekly nonstop service to Minneapolis. The first passengers cheered against a backdrop of balloons and other party favors at the ribbon-cutting. 

Alaska is next in line for takeoff, scheduled to launch its new daily nonstop service from CVG to Seattle on Thursday.