Punta Gorda Airport travelers concerned about Allegiant Air safety

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- Many travelers at the Punta Gorda Airport are waiting and watching to see what is done about a recent letter to Allegiant Air questioning safety.

The union representing Allegiant pilots says the company is cutting safety in an effort to cut costs. The letter details 38 dangerous incidents across the country in the last few months; they say they’re all examples of the airline not putting safety first.

“There’s a real concern because this is what keeps this airport alive and it keeps it local for us we live in Port Charlotte,” said Pamela Wilkins, an Allegiant Air traveler at the Punta Gorda Airport.

Pilots say the airline is doing the bare minimum and ignoring the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety recommendations.

“That is a concern to me. Safety is number one,” said Linda Saylor.

Allegiant released a statement saying the union is “manipulating the public by raising unfounded concerns.”

Allegiant and the pilots are locked in an ongoing contract battle. The airline also says its safety record is among the best in the industry.

Just last week, six flights were canceled at the St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport when passengers had to use slides to evacuate a plane on the runway after reports of smelling smoke in the cabin.