MidHudson News is reporting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is launching a major campaign to grow air service at New York Stewart International Airport in Newburgh. Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus believes post-COVID, the Hudson Valley will be in a position to capitalize on increased tourism and economic development opportunities. He said the pandemic could have a permanent impact and cause people to travel to non-typical destinations from where they have gone in the past. “This is a great opportunity for Orange County and Stewart International Airport to kick the tires on new markets around the country,” Neuhaus said. Only one airline continued to fly from Stewart during the pandemic, and now Allegiant, which flies seasonally to Myrtle Beach and year-round to Florida destinations, will be adding service this summer to Savannah, GA, and Destin, FL. American Airlines has returned to Stewart operating one regional jet flight daily to Philadelphia. Jet Blue canceled its flights to Florida because of the pandemic and has not said when or if it would return to Stewart. The Port Authority is offering an incentive program for existing airlines to expand service and new carriers to enter the market. The air hub's federal inspection station, to handle inbound international travelers, is now finished and while Stewart currently has no foreign flights, it is hoped the new facility will open the door for those carriers to enter the market. Hudson Valley Tourism President Amanda Dana said Stewart can serve as a gateway to bring visitors to the region for the new Legoland theme park in Goshen, as well as many other opportunities to enjoy in the 10-county region Read more at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.