Now seven years after abruptly stranding more than 93,000 people across the country- including a few hundred in Punta Gorda- three former executives of Direct Air are set to be sentenced.
Back in March of 2012, Direct Air posted a notice at the airport in Charlotte County that all flights were canceled, but would resume again in May.
Just weeks after, the federal government said the airline was not allowed to do business due to unpaid bills. In the end, Punta Gorda Airport was left holding the bag for more than $64,000 in unpaid fuel invoices.
Ironically, it was Direct Air’s failure that ended up opening the door for Allegiant to become the airport’s primary carrier.