American Airlines wants to bring commercial flights back to Naples Airport

NAPLES, Fla. —

Commercial passenger flights could return to Naples Airport for the first time in years.

American Airlines sent a letter to the Naples Airport Authority saying it wants to begin scheduled service between Naples and Charlotte, North Carolina, starting Dec. 2, 2026.

According to the proposal, the airline plans to operate three daily arrivals and three daily departures using 65-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jets through PSA Airlines.

Airport staff said in a pre-meeting packet for the Naples Airport Authority’s May 21 meeting that the aircraft would meet the airport’s existing weight limits and Stage 4 noise standards. The flights would also operate during the airport’s voluntary curfew hours.

American Airlines said the route would connect Naples travelers to its global network “for the first time in over two decades.”

The proposal is generating mixed reactions from people in Naples.

Some frequent travelers say the flights would make travel significantly easier, especially for seasonal residents who currently drive to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers for most commercial flights.

“We've flown American Airlines for a long time,” said Jim Campion, a seasonal Naples resident. “So, that would be fantastic to be able to shoot right into Naples instead of Fort Myers. So it'd be very convenient.”

Supporters also point to Charlotte as one of American Airlines’ largest hubs, offering connections to destinations across the country and internationally.

But not everyone supports the idea.

Residents living under the airport’s flight path say aircraft noise is already a major concern and worry commercial service could increase traffic overhead.

“The Naples residents are fed up with the current situation where you just have too many planes going over,” said Aqualane Shores resident Martin Horneck. “You have the planes in my neighborhood going in a couple of hundred yards over your house.”

Airport staff said American Airlines is not requesting financial incentives and would help pay for required facility modifications through lease agreements.

The Naples Airport Authority board is expected to discuss the proposal during its May 21 meeting.

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