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American Airlines Will Return To Naples Airport In December

The carrier plans to launch year-round service to Charlotte starting December 2.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Air Travel

Bold vector editorial illustration of a regional jet parked on a tarmac with a palm tree under a bright sky.
American Airlines will resume commercial service at Naples Airport on December 2, ending a 25-year absence with year-round flights to Charlotte. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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American Airlines plans to resume commercial service at Naples Airport this December, ending a 25-year absence. The airline intends to operate flights to Charlotte using 65-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jets under its American Eagle brand.

Why it matters

The return of commercial flights is expected to generate $1 million in additional revenue for the Naples Airport Authority during fiscal year 2027. This move follows years without scheduled service, as the airport works to finalize a deal with the airline.

The Naples Airport Authority currently manages $28.2 million in assets and has budgeted for nine new full-time employees. Commercial operations are expected to utilize 65-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 jets, which comply with existing airport weight limits.

The players

American Airlines

This is a major American airline that provides extensive domestic and international flight services.

Naples Airport Authority

This is the governing body responsible for the operation and development of the airport in Naples, Florida.

PSA Airlines

This is a regional airline subsidiary of American Airlines that operates under the American Eagle brand.

The details

To prepare for the arrival of commercial service, the airport reconfigured its North Road Terminal to include necessary TSA screening for both passengers and baggage. Operations will be facilitated through PSA Airlines, a subsidiary flying under the American Eagle brand.

Timeline

  1. American Airlines last operated flights from Naples in 2001.

  2. Commercial service at the airport ceased in March 2017.

  3. The airport board approved the fiscal 2027 budget on September 17, 2026.

  4. The planned service launch date is December 2, 2026.

Travel Outlook

This service launch marks a significant shift in regional connectivity, ending the period of no commercial activity that followed the 2017 cessation of commercial operations by Elite Airways. The move positions Naples to capture demand for year-round travel that previously relied on airports in neighboring regions.

Local travelers can anticipate year-round access to the Charlotte hub starting this December, potentially reducing the need to commute to larger regional airports. Passengers should monitor official airport announcements for updates regarding terminal security protocols and booking availability.

The takeaway

The restoration of commercial air service signifies a major change in local infrastructure and regional transportation accessibility. Residents and visitors should anticipate increased activity at the terminal as the airport prepares for the December launch.

What happens next

The Naples Airport Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet on October 15, where officials hope to finalize the formal agreement with American Airlines.

Further reading

For more information on local flight developments, visit the Air Travel section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Press.

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Do you support the introduction of commercial airline service at your local airport?