Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (IATA: LBE), also known as Latrobe PA Airport, sits about 33 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh and is named for the golf legend who was born in Latrobe. As of July 2026, the airport does not have a scheduled commercial airline operating from it — but that’s a recent and, according to airport officials, temporary situation. Here’s what’s actually going on, what led to it, and what your realistic options are if you need to fly in or out of the Latrobe area right now.
Quick Answer
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport currently has no scheduled commercial airline. Its sole carrier, Spirit Airlines, shut down entirely on May 2, 2026, ending 15 years of continuous service. The airport authority is actively seeking a replacement low-cost carrier, supported by a newly completed $22 million two-gate terminal expansion and an application for federal revenue guarantee funding.
Key Takeaways
- Latrobe PA Airport (LBE) has had no scheduled commercial flights since Spirit Airlines’ complete shutdown on May 2, 2026.
- Spirit was the airport’s sole commercial airline for 15 years, carrying over 3.2 million cumulative passengers primarily to Florida destinations.
- The Westmoreland County Airport Authority has applied for a USDOT Small Community Air Service Development Program grant to offer revenue guarantees to new budget airlines.
- A $22 million terminal expansion doubling passenger capacity to two gates is complete and ready for a successor carrier.
- Until commercial service returns, the nearest full-service option is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located ~57 miles away (~75–85 minutes by car).
What Happened to Spirit Airlines at Latrobe PA Airport
Spirit Airlines had been the only commercial carrier at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport since 2011 — making Latrobe the only airport in the United States served exclusively by Spirit. That 15-year partnership ended when Spirit ceased all flight operations on May 2, 2026, following a second bankruptcy filing and a failed merger process. Over its tenure at LBE, Spirit carried more than 3.26 million round-trip passengers, establishing a loyal local customer base.
In the months leading up to the shutdown, Spirit had already reduced its Latrobe schedule as passenger numbers dipped to 119,379 in 2025. Its non-stop Fort Lauderdale service was discontinued in fall 2025, and by early 2026 the airline was operating a reduced seasonal rotation between Orlando and Myrtle Beach rather than running multiple concurrent routes.
Note: If you see third-party travel search engines or older booking guides showing active Spirit flights out of Latrobe (LBE), that information is outdated. All Spirit routes from Latrobe have been permanently discontinued.
What’s Happening at the Airport Now
The sudden loss of commercial flights created an immediate operational shift for the airport. The Westmoreland County Airport Authority evaluated workforce adjustments, while the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a standard 90-day notice regarding security screening staff reassignments. However, airport leadership—led by Executive Director Maurice Haas—is actively working to restore commercial service rather than scaling down permanently.
To incentivize a replacement airline, local officials submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP). This federal grant program provides financial assistance and revenue guarantees to help regional airports minimize risk for airlines launching new routes. Additionally, the airport completed a $22 million terminal expansion project that doubled capacity from one gate to two, expanding TSA screening areas and holding lounges to accommodate larger commercial aircraft.
Pro Tip: Before making travel plans around Latrobe, consult the airport’s official site (PalmerAirport.com) for official announcements regarding airline recruitment and route announcements, as flight aggregators may take time to update.
Latrobe PA Airport’s History and Location
The airfield’s history dates back to 1924, when it opened as Longview Flying Field. It was renamed J.D. Hill Airport in 1928 and Latrobe Airport in 1935. In 1939, the site earned a spot in aviation history as the location of the world’s first official airmail “air pick-up,” where a Stinson Reliant aircraft retrieved mail containers suspended between poles without coming to a stop. The airport was later renamed Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in honor of the legendary golfer, who was born and raised in Latrobe.
Located in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, the airport remains an important infrastructure hub serving Latrobe, Greensburg, Mount Pleasant, and the broader Laurel Highlands region.
Flying Options While Latrobe Is Without a Scheduled Airline
If you need to travel to or from Westmoreland County while commercial airline service is paused, here is an overview of current travel alternatives:
At a Glance: Getting to and from the Latrobe Area
| Nearest full-service airport | Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), ~57 miles west / ~75–85 minutes drive time |
| Charter & private aviation | Private charter operators and air-taxi providers remain fully operational at LBE |
| Parking at LBE | Free — a key amenity maintained during the commercial service pause |
| General aviation status | LBE remains open for private pilots, corporate jets, and flight instruction |
The primary alternative for scheduled air travel is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). While Latrobe is roughly 33 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, driving to PIT on the west side of the metropolitan area requires about 57 to 60 miles of driving via US-30 West and I-376 West, taking approximately 75 to 85 minutes depending on traffic. Alternate regional options with commuter flights include Johnstown (JST) and Morgantown (MGW).
Warning: Verify departure airports carefully when booking regional travel. Cached search engine results may still reference outdated Spirit flight numbers out of Latrobe.
What to Watch For
The Westmoreland County Airport Authority has a history of attracting airlines following carrier exits, having previously hosted U.S. Airways and Northwest Airlines. Local officials remain optimistic about securing a new ultra-low-cost or regional airline. With the expanded $22 million terminal completed and potential USDOT revenue guarantees, recruitment efforts are centered on budget carriers serving popular leisure destinations in Florida and the Southeast.
FAQs
What airlines fly out of Latrobe PA Airport right now?
As of July 2026, no scheduled commercial airline operates out of Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. Spirit Airlines, which was the airport’s sole carrier since 2011, shut down all operations on May 2, 2026. However, private jets, charter flights, and general aviation remain active.
Will another airline start flying from Latrobe?
The Westmoreland County Airport Authority is actively negotiating with several ultra-low-cost carriers. To assist recruitment, the authority applied for federal SCASDP grant funds to offer revenue guarantees to prospective replacement airlines.
What’s the closest airport with scheduled flights?
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the nearest full-service commercial airport, located approximately 57 miles west of Latrobe (about a 75 to 85 minute drive).
Is parking still free at Latrobe PA Airport?
Yes, free parking remains active at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport for general aviation visitors, charter passengers, and diners visiting the airport restaurant.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Arnold Palmer Regional Airport — Airport history, technical specifications, and historical carrier data
- CBS News Pittsburgh — Coverage of Spirit Airlines shutdown and airport authority official statements
- Simple Flying — Commercial flight network analysis and historical passenger numbers for LBE
- Mon Valley Independent / TribLive — Details on USDOT Small Community Air Service Development Program grant application
