ST. CLOUD — Allegiant Airlines is starting regular flights out of the St. Cloud Regional Airport. It’s the first time in three years that the airport will have regular air service.

The first of what is planned to be twice-weekly flights from St. Cloud to Mesa, Ariz., was scheduled to leave Saturday at 5:05 p.m. St. Cloud Regional Airport Director Bill Towle said that ticket sales so far have been strong.

The flight between the two cities takes just over two hours. Ticket prices range from $75 to $300 one way. The jets being used have a capacity of 166 seats.

Towle said the new service has required the airport to bring back federal TSA agents. They will only be on duty at the airport when flights are scheduled.