Flights to Minneapolis, Mall of America to resume from Gulfport

GULFPORT -- Sun Country Airlines will resume non-stop flights between Minneapolis and Gulfport this fall to take people from South Mississippi to fish, shop and sightsee in "the land of 10,000 Lakes" and bring tourists to the Gulf Coast.

The seasonal service between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport runs Sept. 1 through Dec. 11. Flights leave Gulfport on Sundays and return on Thursdays.

Last year, the service drew more than 1,600 visitors to South Mississippi over a 13-week period, according to the airline. Sun Country is based in Minnesota and also flies charter flights to Gulfport for Beau Rivage Resort and Casino.

Tickets are on sale now for the Minneapolis flights at the airline's website and start at $136 each way.

"It worked really well this past fall and we're excited Sun Country is going to be offering it again," said Clay Williams, executive director of the Gulfport airport.

Visit MS Gulf Coast is promoting the flights in Minnesota, and a few of the local casinos have guaranteed to buy seats to make the service possible, he said.

While tourists come to the Coast for the beaches, Cruisin' The Coast and the casinos, Williams said passengers from South Mississippi took advantage of the low airfare to enjoy fall in Minnesota and do their Christmas shopping at Mall of America.

The largest mall in the United States, Mall of America has 520 stores, 50 restaurants and a variety of attractions such as Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor theme park, and the American Girl store. The mall's website says shoppers pay no sales tax on clothes or shoes.

The fall flights also boost tourism in South Mississippi after the peak season.

"The stunning natural beauty and growing gaming industry of Gulfport/Biloxi is a natural draw for visitors and Sun Country is proud to be a part of the area's tourism growth," said Larry Chestler, executive vice president of Sun Country Airlines.

This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Flights to Minneapolis, Mall of America to resume from Gulfport ."