COLONIE — Two airlines are beginning nonstop service from Albany to the biggest airport in Florida, the most common destination state for Capital Region travelers.

Frontier Airlines’ first nonstop from Albany International Airport to Miami International Airport was scheduled to depart Thursday evening, and American Airlines’ first nonstop to Miami is scheduled for Saturday morning.

American is planning one such flight a week initially and Frontier has scheduled two per week. Frontier’s introductory fares are as low as $39.

“About one third of all our travelers go to a Florida destination or through a Florida destination,” said Albany County Airport Authority spokesman Doug Myers.

All airlines that service Albany fly to Florida — Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Punta Gorda, Tampa — but this is the first service to Miami without a connecting flight, he said.

Miami is a better airport to make connections through, he added. “Miami gives us better access to the islands, the Caribbean, South America,” Myers said.

“South Florida is a highly requested destination and we’re proud to now offer Albany area residents an affordable option to visit Miami and make unforgettable memories with friends and family this winter and beyond,” Frontier Senior Vice President Daniel Shurz said in a news release Thursday.

The inaugural flight was scheduled to depart Albany at 7 p.m. Thursday.