American Airlines to Launch Flights From Naples Airport

The carrier will offer daily round-trip service to Charlotte starting in December 2026.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Air Travel

Screen-print poster illustration of a stylized jet aircraft silhouette against a warm, clear coastal sky, evoking a new era of air travel. — American Airlines will launch daily round-trip service between Naples and Charlotte starting December 2, 2026, restoring commercial flights to the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Naples Airport Authority and American Airlines have signed a contract to restore commercial flight service. The agreement includes two daily round-trip flights between Naples and Charlotte beginning December 2, 2026.

Why it matters

American Airlines aims to re-establish a commercial presence in the Naples market after a multi-decade absence. The new service is expected to provide residents with expanded travel connectivity to a major hub.

The deal features two daily round-trip flights using 65-seat CRJ-700 aircraft. The airport authority estimates receiving $1,147,089 in annual payments, with an additional $1 million projected from ground handling and parking revenue.

The players

Naples Airport Authority

This is the governing body responsible for the operations and management of the airfield in Naples.

American Airlines

This is a major global carrier based in Fort Worth, Texas, that is returning to the Naples market.

The details

The Naples Airport Authority Board of Commissioners approved the contract in a 4-1 vote, following renovations at the North Road Terminal to accommodate TSA screening. American Airlines is set to pay rent, activity-based charges, and annual pro-rated renovation costs for the year-round service.

October 15, 2026: The parties signed the commercial service agreement.
December 2, 2026: Commercial flights between Naples and Charlotte begin.

Travel Outlook

This agreement marks a major reversal of the trend of departing commercial carriers that had defined the airport's recent history. The addition of year-round service signals a shift in the region's connectivity compared to the 2017 cessation of commercial operations by Elite Airways at Naples Airport.

Travelers looking to fly directly from Naples to Charlotte can expect daily options starting in December 2026. The new service aims to streamline local access to the national aviation network without the need to drive to larger regional airports.

The takeaway

The return of a major carrier to Naples Airport represents a significant change in local logistics for year-round travelers. Residents should monitor future airline announcements for ticket booking information and potential changes to the flight schedule.