NAPLES, Fla. - s4story -- The Naples Airport Authority Board approved an operating agreement with American Airlines, which will launch twice-daily nonstops between Naples and Charlotte starting in December.

"The approval of the operating agreement with American makes everything official," said Chris Rozansky, executive director of the Naples Airport Authority. "Naples Airport welcomed its last commercial flight in 2017, and American's decision to return will give residents of Naples and Collier County a convenient option for business and leisure travel."

American, which last served Naples Airport in 2001, will initially offer two nonstops daily between Naples Airport (APF) and the airline's hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina, starting Dec. 2. American subsidiary PSA Airlines will operate the route using 65-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jets, which operate under Naples Airport's maximum takeoff weight of 75,000 pounds.

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Additionally, American has agreed to schedule all flight operations in compliance with Naples Airport's voluntary curfew of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.

American will use Naples Airport's North Road Terminal, which opened in 1981 and is currently undergoing renovations. The first phase of construction began in 2024 and included extensive exterior work, sitework and landscaping. Interior work began earlier this year and will be completed this fall.

The newly renovated terminal will feature a 75-seat passenger waiting area with restrooms, an airline service counter and airline offices, a TSA security screening area and TSA offices, and baggage claim. The terminal offers one gate for commercial airlines and includes rental car counters and airport operations offices, along with designated space for NetJets, a private jet charter and aircraft management company.

Passengers flying from Naples to Charlotte will have one-stop access to nearly 180 destinations worldwide. American began selling tickets for the new route between Naples and Charlotte in June.