By now you’ve heard that Southwest Airlines will be flying into the new International Airport on the west side of Panama City Beach starting in May 2010. The airlines just recently announced the first non-stop flights will go to Baltimore (BWI), Houston (HOU), Nashville (BNA) and Orlando (MCO) on at least a twice daily schedule. This is great news in that it opens up more of the eastern US with non-stop service and will also capitalize on the international traveler landing in Orlando. With Nashville already being a large feeder city to the area and visitors from Houston growing every year, each of these enables a lower cost vacation at beautiful beaches and one-stop flying to most of the United States.

Here is a YouTube Announcement from the CEO of Southwest. They certainly are excited about opening up a new city in this area and it was a great piece of news for everyone who lives here because of the reputation that SWA has and the cost competitive flights they offer. It’s hard to believe that there has not been a major airport built in the US since Denver and there probably won’t be another one for almost 10 years.

Here is also a local news report about the announcement. If you would like to look at all of the SWA arrivals, departures and connections to the new airport, please go to
Southwest’s website.