More flight opportunities are available for those wanting to have a change in scenery and visit the Rio Grande Valley.
The South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced Wednesday that airlines are increasing flights to the Valley.
Beginning in March, American Airlines will offer nonstop service from the Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Valley International Airport (VIA) in Harlingen.
According to a press release from the SPI CVB, the direct flight reflects increased interest in the area as a destination as more travelers begin to look for travel opportunities.
In addition to the added flight, several Valley airports have returning flights.
The Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport’s returning flights include — three daily American Airlines flights to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and three daily United Airlines flights to and from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH) in Houston.
The VIA’s returning flights include — two daily Southwest Airlines flights to and from Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, three daily United Airlines flights to and from KIAH, three daily American Airlines flights to and from DFW, one weekly Frontier Airlines flight to and from Denver and two weekly Sun Country Airlines flights to and from Minneapolis.
The McAllen International Airport’s returning flights include — three daily United Airlines flights to and from KIAH, three daily American Airlines flights to and from DFW, one daily Sun Country Airlines flight to Gulfport, one daily Allegiant Air flight to and from Las Vegas and one daily Aeromar flight to Mexico City.
According to SPI CVB Director Ed Caum, the increase reflects demand from travelers.
“Every year Mid-westerners (Winter Texans) begin to flock towards the warmer spots on the Gulf Coast,” he stated. “South Padre Island is one of the premier Winter Texan destinations because of affordability and multiple flight options into the RGV through the new facility at Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport in Brownsville, the recently expanded Valley International Airport in Harlingen and McAllen International Airport in McAllen.”
