Last Scheduled Airline Service Ended In 1998

The first scheduled passenger flight in eight years into Niagara Falls International Airport arrived as scheduled last week, something local officials hope leads to a resurgence in visitors -- and, yes, vacationing newlyweds -- to the natural landmark.

Myrtle Beach Direct Flight 4518 passenger Paulette Cook expressed what Niagara Falls officials were betting on. "We're here to see the falls again and spend a little money at the casino," she said. "It's called R&R."

Cook, of Myrtle Beach, SC was one of 63 passengers on the inaugural flight. The group was greeted by a live band, reporters and 124 passengers that were waiting to board the return flight to Myrtle Beach.

Friday's activity was that of a regular airport -- in sharp contrast to the normally quiet, rather deserted facility the airport had become since scheduled airline service ended in 1998, according to The Buffalo News.

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority officials had hoped for exactly that as the reintroduction of regular passenger service begins. They are now set to commence with a $27.5 million plan for construction on a new terminal. "Look at this: There's one flight, and the terminal is at capacity," observed Lawrence M. Meckler, NFTA executive director. "It really demonstrates the need for a new terminal."

The NFTA has secured funding for $14.4 million of the $27.5 million project. Current plans include hiring a lobbyist to help secure the remainder of the needed funds.

Friday's ceremony even had its share of dignitaries. In addition to several NFTA officials, state senators George D. Maziarz of Newfane and Antoine M. Thompson of Buffalo partook of the festivities.

IAG's last scheduled service, Kiwi International Air Lines flights to Newark, N.J., lasted only three months in 1998. Only charter flights have utilized the airport since then.

In addition to Niagara Falls, Myrtle Beach DirectAir and Tours offers flights to Newark, New Jersey and Pittsburgh. It also offers nonstop flights to its namesake resort -- and its golf courses -- on 737-200s (shown above).

"In a two-hour period, you can trade in those snow shovels for golf clubs and enjoy some beautiful golf courses," said Mickey McCamish, president of Myrtle Beach Golf Holidays.

Myrtle Beach DirectAir and Tours began operations March 9, and is one of two new carriers that began operation at IAG this month. Southern Skyways started service March 2 to Charleston, West Virginia, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Cincinnati.

FMI: www.myrtlebeachdirectair.com/, www.niagarafallsairport.com, www.southernskyways.com/