American Airlines begins selling Naples-Charlotte flights

American Airlines began selling tickets June 30 for planned flights between Naples and Charlotte, North Carolina, even though negotiations, federal approvals and terminal renovations must still be completed before commercial passenger service can begin.

The airline is accepting reservations for flights beginning Dec. 2. Before service can launch, however, Naples Airport Authority must finalize a use agreement with American Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration must approve passenger screening operations and renovations at the airport's North Road Terminal must be completed.

If those steps are completed, Naples Airport would regain scheduled commercial airline service for the first time since 2017. The launch also would mark American's return to Naples after ending service there in 2001.

The proposal to restore scheduled airline service has drawn months of public debate in Collier County. Supporters say nonstop flights would make travel easier for residents, seasonal visitors and businesses, while opponents have questioned whether the service could increase aircraft noise, worsen traffic and eventually open the door to additional commercial carriers operating from Naples Airport.

Public opinion, however, has largely favored bringing back commercial service.

A scientific poll commissioned by Naples Airport Authority found that 80.3% of registered voters in Collier County and the city of Naples support restoring commercial airline service. The survey, conducted by American Pulse through live telephone interviews and text surveys, included an oversample of Naples residents and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

A separate Gulfshore Business reader survey conducted June 5-11 found similar results. Among 658 respondents, 75.8% supported American launching service between Naples and Charlotte, while 21.1% opposed the proposal and 3% were unsure. More than half of respondents, 57.1%, identified greater convenience for residents and visitors as the proposal's biggest benefit, while 20.8% cited increased noise and traffic as their primary concern.

Even as tickets went on sale, airport officials said negotiations with American continue to move forward.

"Negotiations are progressing as anticipated," said Chris Rozansky, executive director of the Naples Airport Authority. "American has been a great partner during this process, even agreeing to schedule flights to avoid our voluntary nighttime curfew and committing to use of some of the quieter regional jets available today."

American officials said the Charlotte route would serve as a gateway to its second-largest hub, giving Southwest Florida travelers one-stop access to destinations across its global network.

"American is proud to connect Naples to our unmatched network across the U.S.," the airline said in a statement. "New nonstop service to our Charlotte hub will give customers in Southwest Florida convenient one-stop access to nearly 180 destinations worldwide. We look forward to welcoming customers onboard and continuing our collaborative partnership with the Naples Airport and community."

American plans to operate the route through its regional subsidiary, PSA Airlines, using 65-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jets. The aircraft comply with Naples Airport's 75,000-pound maximum takeoff weight limit, and the airline has agreed to schedule flights outside the airport's voluntary curfew, which prohibits operations between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Construction also continues on the airport's North Road Terminal, which is being renovated. Originally built in 1981, the terminal has undergone a multiyear renovation since 2022. Exterior improvements were completed this spring, while interior renovations and passenger screening modifications are expected to be finished in November.

Naples Airport Authority is expected to provide another public update on negotiations, construction progress and remaining regulatory approvals during its Aug. 20 board meeting.

“We’ve been asked for years about the potential return of airline service,” Rozansky said. “Travel doesn’t get more convenient for our residents and visitors than catching a flight out of Naples Airport.”