City of Colorado Springs, CO

10/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/30/2024 10:18

Colorado Springs Airport Announces International Service to Cancun with Southwest Airlines

The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is excited to announce nonstop seasonal service to Cancun (CUN) with Southwest Airlines. The weekly service is slated to begin June 7, 2025, and is the first scheduled international route COS will serve.

"This is a huge win for our community and marks the beginning of a new chapter for COS with international service for the first time in our history," said Greg Phillips, Director of Aviation for COS. When Southwest's flight to Cancun takes off next summer, Colorado Springs will become the airlines' 25th international gateway city.

"Today is a historic day for Colorado Springs as we take another step forward in expanding our city's reach and connecting our community to the world," said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. "This new route is more than just a travel option-it's a bridge connecting us to one of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations in the world. The direct link to Cancun opens the door to incredible new opportunities, whether it's a long-awaited vacation, easier access for business connections, or a convenient way for families to stay connected across borders."

"Our new international service brings a faster journey for Colorado Springs travelers to reach Cancun's world-renown resorts and beaches," said Becky Kotara, Senior Manager of Network Planning at Southwest Airlines. "We appreciate the community's continued support of Southwest which has enabled us to add more nonstop service connecting Customers to the people and places important in their lives."

The once-weekly service is currently scheduled to run through the summer and will utilize the Airport's new Federal Inspection Services Facility (FIS).

COS began constructing the 14,000-square-foot FIS earlier this year in anticipation that an airline would provide international service. An FIS is an arrivals facility designed to enhance security screening operations for handling international aircraft and passenger arrivals. All international flights must go through an FIS, where passengers undergo U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) screening before entering the United States.

The project is partly funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. The airport received $6.4 million in grant money for the project. No local tax dollars are being used for this project or for any other purpose at COS.

To book your flight, visit Southwest.com.