Topeka ? Commercial air passenger service returns to Topeka’s Forbes Field in March when Allegiant Air begins twice-weekly nonstop flights to Las Vegas.

The airport hasn’t had commercial jet service since the late 1980s, and it’s been without a carrier of any kind since Air Midwest stopped providing commuter service 18 months ago between Topeka and Kansas City on 19-passenger planes.

But starting March 24, Allegiant Air will fly 150-passenger jets between Topeka and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on Mondays and Fridays.

“This building will now get some use, and won’t that be fun?” Mayor Bill Bunten said during a news conference Tuesday in the nearly empty Forbes Field terminal. “Not just football and basketball teams flying out of here anymore.”

Allegiant Air, based in Las Vegas, was founded in 1997 and now has 43 routes, said company spokeswoman Tyri Squyres.

David Stremming, president of the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, said a contract with Allegiant was still being negotiated. He said that for the time being landing fees and counter space costs at the airport would be waived, and the authority will also share initial marketing and advertising costs with the airline.

Introductory fares for the Las Vegas flights will be $69 one way, with special packages including hotel rooms also available. After the introductory period, the one-way fares are expected to range between $89 and $199.