Syracuse, New York –Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) announced today that Southwest Airlines will launch its first-ever regularly-scheduled flights from Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). The world’s largest low-cost carrier will begin nonstop service from SYR on November 14, 2021, to Baltimore, MD (BWI) and Orlando, FL (MCO) beginning November 20, 2021.

Southwest service to BWI will provide new access nonstop to Baltimore/Washington and additional service to more than 50 cities beyond with same-plane and connecting service. Additional time-saving nonstop service to and from MCO will increase SYR’s existing service to Central Florida. This increases the number of nonstop destinations available to SYR travelers to 26.

“Bringing the Finger Lakes region into our growing network gives our existing Customers access to all that Upstate New York has to offer,” said Tom Nealon, President of Southwest Airlines, who also hails from Vestal, near Binghamton. “For hometown travelers, we’re giving an option to choose our game-changing value, flexibility, and hospitality.”

Southwest initially will offer three daily flights to BWI, while their MCO route will operate once-weekly flown each Saturday during (timeframe). Southwest is the world’s largest operator of Boeing 737 aircraft, and intends to fly the full-size jet exclusively on the new routes serving SYR.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Southwest Airlines as they launch their first ever daily service here at SYR,” said SYR Executive Director, Jason Terreri. “This is such a win for our community who have been telling us for years that they want Southwest at SYR. With this new nonstop service, our community will have access to more than 40 destinations within the Southwest network. This announcement is the culmination of a multi-year effort by the airport and the Central New York Community to bring some ‘LUV’ to the region and I look forward to our partnership”

“Central New York, you are now free to move about the country,” said Robert Simpson, President and CEO of CenterState CEO, a business leadership and economic development organization, based in Syracuse.  “After years of conversations, today’s announcement marks the culmination of a long effort to bring Southwest to Syracuse.  This would not have been possible without our community’s intentional decision to create a professionally run airport authority to reduce cost and make Syracuse Hancock International Airport more competitive to attract new carriers, new destinations, and new service. Together with the active support and engagement from members of the business community, this collaboration is producing dividends for our entire region and, together, we are proud to welcome Southwest to Syracuse.”

“Today’s announcement ensures that Central New York residents will no longer have to travel to Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, or any other city to take advantage of Southwest’s low fares. After years of hard work by Syracuse officials – along with critical support for airports and airlines included in COVID relief packages – Southwest is now ready for takeoff from Hancock International Airport,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer.

“I’m glad to join Syracuse Hancock International Airport in welcoming Southwest Airlines to Central New York,” said Congressman John Katko. “Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve worked to promote the benefits of operating out of Syracuse Airport and recognize the airport’s role as a significant economic engine for our region. During the pandemic, I’ve been proud to deliver resources that have allowed Syracuse Airport to make vital improvements, bolster safety, and expand operations. With the addition of Southwest Airlines, I’m confident the Syracuse Airport will continue to be an important hub for travelers, tourists, and businesses alike. As our region emerges from the pandemic, I believe this is an important signal that Central New York is open for business and primed to make significant economic advances.”

Onondaga County Executive, Ryan McMahon said, “The addition of Southwest Airlines to our community is exciting and welcomed news. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is undoubtedly a desire to start traveling again. With Southwest coming to Syracuse, we will now have even more exciting destinations to choose from.” McMahon continued, “Jason and his team have worked tirelessly to make this a reality and I thank them for their successful efforts.”

“Southwest Airlines’ arrival in Syracuse is great news for travelers. It means more destinations and more options for affordable air travel from Syracuse,” said Syracuse Mayor, Ben Walsh. “It also sends a powerful message about the quality of Syracuse Hancock International Airport and the resurgence of Syracuse as a destination. I thank Southwest Airlines for committing to Syracuse and commend the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority and its staff on their outstanding work at our airport.”

“We are thrilled to have Southwest, a truly first-class, affordable airline, as a new addition to the Syracuse market,” said Danny Liedka, President/CEO of Visit Syracuse. “The impact will be tremendous, providing connectivity to an entirely new subset of leisure and business travelers. We look forward to inviting those travelers to explore the beauty and revitalization of Syracuse, Central New York and the Finger Lakes Regions.”

“The SRAA Board is energized by the opportunity to partner with Southwest Airlines on their first ever daily service at SYR,” said Jo Anne C. Gagliano, Chair of the SRAA board. “This announcement is consistent with the Mission Statement of the SRAA, specifically to bring efficient and low-cost air transportation service to the 12-county region SYR serves.”

For more information about Southwest Airlines’ fares and routes, please visit their website.

To learn about SYR’s 26 nonstop destinations, please visit the airport’s Destinations page.