By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — International flights to sunny seaside vacation destinations are set to return to the Rockford airport next year.
The Chicago Rockford International Airport announced on Wednesday the return of passenger service to Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Costa Rica.
The nonstop flights on GlobalX Airlines will begin on Jan. 24, 2025.
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The flights are offered by Apple Vacations and its sisters companies, Funjet Vacations and Travel Impressions. There are flight-only and complete vacation packages available.
“Ever since the pandemic drastically changed passenger travel, we’ve been working with ALG Vacations to bring their exclusive nonstop vacation flights back to our airport so we can further serve people in our region,” RFD Executive Director Zack Oakley said in a news release. “The Rockford market is enthusiastic about travel – that’s something we’re listening to, advocating for, and working tirelessly on so RFD can provide more great travel opportunities to our community. We hope to continue offering more destinations in the years to come.”
Apple Vacations offered seasonal flights at RFD until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halted international travel. In its 15 prior seasons with the airport, more than 100,000 passengers used the services.
“Rockford has been a successful market for vacation companies like our Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, and Travel Impressions brands for many years, and we’re excited to bring this service back to RFD for 2025,” Ray Snisky, group president at ALG Vacations, said in a news release. “We are grateful that both vacationers and travel advisors alike have helped make RFD a significant winter gateway to popular vacation destinations like Cancun/Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, and Costa Rica.”
The international flights are the third major passenger service announcement from the Rockford airport this year.
Allegiant started offering flights to Nashville from RFD on May 16. Flights to Los Angeles begin on June 12.
Allegiant also flies out of Rockford to Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, and four locations in Florida: Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers and Sarasota.
RFD international flight schedule
Costa Rica: Fridays starting Jan. 24, 2025
Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays starting Jan. 25, 2025
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Thursdays and Sundays starting Jan. 26, 2025
You can book an Apple Vacation, Funjet Vacation or Travel Impressions vacation with nonstop service from Rockford through a travel advisor or at ALG Vacations website.
Visit flyrfd.com for more information on the airport.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas