Southwest Airlines Co. today announced plans to bring its Customers two new destinations later this year by initiating service year-round to both Miami International Airport (MIA), and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), subject to requisite government approvals.
Southwest Airlines Chairman & CEO Gary Kelly shared news of the additional service points on the carrier’s route map in a weekly video message to the Company’s Employees:
“Our service to both of these airports will bring new, relevant options for our core Customers. Gradually, they’re rediscovering leisure travel across the country as their own situations allow. Adding these specific airports to our route map will bring us access to additional revenue at a critical time. It matches our available fleet with demand for very popular destinations.
Each airport fits our route system exceptionally well. Palm Springs is a great California destination. Southwest has long carried more Customers to, from, and within the Golden State than any other airline. Just as we serve multiple airports in metro areas across the country, South Florida is ripe for another. Miami will complement, and augment, existing South Florida service we have in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Miami already sees some Southwest aircraft on a weekly basis as part of our maintenance program, so adding an ability for our Customers to travel there with us is a win. In both cases, the unmatchable combination of your Hospitality, our low fares, and our Customer friendly policies will make flying to these airports more affordable and attainable. And this is a time when consumers cheer access to the Southwest brand and our great value.”
“The addition of Southwest Airlines to Palm Springs International Airport is fantastic news which will have a positive impact on Palm Springs businesses, residents, visitors and the entire Coachella Valley as we all work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Palm Springs City Manager David H. Ready, who noted tourism officials and the City have worked for several years forging a relationship with Southwest to bring the airline to the Coachella Valley.
“Thanks to our year-round sunshine, relaxed desert lifestyle and multi-million dollar public and private reinvestments in our City’s hotel stock, Convention Center and downtown, Palm Springs has experienced a sensational renaissance and we are now one of Southern California’s premier resort destinations. The City is delighted to welcome Southwest Airlines and we thank them for investing in Palm Springs International Airport and our destination.”
The new nonstop route(s) location will be announced in the coming weeks and is expected to begin later this year.