GULF SHORES — With the first flight coming in from Knoxville, Tennessee, on May 21, Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) terminal construction is set to be "substantially completed" around the first of May.

GUF's airport director, Jesse Fosnaugh, said that even though the construction will be wrapping up soon, airport staff will continue working to ensure everything is in operation and add any finishing touches at "every available moment" leading up to May 21.

"No one will be kicking back and resting on our laurels at any point in the next four weeks," Fosnaugh said.

When the planes initially take off, there will be six destinations with flights going in and out twice weekly for a total of 12 flights leaving GUF per week.

Fosnaugh said the destinations and ticket rates are "well suited" for weekend trips or longer vacations for those coming and going from Gulf Shores.

Flights to Knoxville via McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) will begin May 21 and will run on Wednesday and Saturday. Flights to Cincinnati, Ohio, via Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) begin May 22 and will run on Sunday and Thursday.

Houston, Texas, flights will be landing in the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) starting May 22 and will run on Sunday and Thursday. Flights to Bentonville/Fayetteville, Arkansas, will be to the Northwest National Airport (XNA) starting on May 22 and will run Sunday and Thursday.

Flights to Belleville, Illinois, will land at the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) beginning May 23 and running on Monday and Friday. Kansas City, Missouri, flights will land in the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) starting on May 24 with trips on Wednesday and Saturday.

Tickets are now available to and from GUF through the middle of August at www.allegiantair.com. The next set of destinations to and from GUF have not yet been released by Allegiant Travel Company, the first commercial airline flying out of GUF.

Ticket sales and booking details are kept internal by Allegiant, Fosnaugh said. But he said they have mentioned how they are "very happy with the routes" and are meeting expectations. He said they have also suggested that bookings are picking up as the first flight draws closer.

Fosnaugh said he is "extremely excited" for the approaching May 21 take off at GUF.

"I've had the privilege of joining this project and bringing teams together to achieve a great result," Fosnaugh said. "Staff are getting hired, business partners and relationships are being formed, and, ultimately, we are bringing low-cost, high-value air service to this community. This is surreal, exciting and fun."

While terminal construction is on track so far, Fosnaugh said some of the biggest challenges with the project have been the "sheer volume of critical path tasks" necessary for success. This could include everything from "ensuring there is data available" to setting up furniture and flooring in the terminal.

He said identifying the specific tasks ahead of time has been "the biggest challenge" but that everything has come together and "everyone is rowing in the same direction."

"Persons Construction, the general contractor for the project, and all of their subcontractors really made this come together," Fosnaugh said. "Any issues, big or small, have been given targeted attention early on and resolved in exact detail."

During some points, there have been up to 80 different contractors working on the project, Fosnaugh stated. He mentioned the team often comments on how it's "like a colony of ants" working in the terminal with everyone busy working on the critical tasks.

The contractors working on the project "know what this means to the community," Fosnaugh said, and "you can sense the pride" they have while working on the terminal construction together.

Fosnaugh said GUF will be an "extension of the hospitality" the area is known for. He said terminal and airport staff will ensure a "smooth and easy travel experience" for all who fly GUF.

"This project and achievement is a result of great vision and planning in this community," he said. "This community and our residents deserve access to this air service, and they are going to love what they see."