Travelers in Colorado Springs have a new reason to pack their bags, as the local airport announces a direct route to the popular Mexican vacation spot, Cancún. The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and Southwest Airlines have partnered up to offer nonstop seasonal flights starting June 7, 2025. With this move, COS is set to roll out its first international service, marking a significant milestone for the airport and the region it serves.
"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, as per Colorado Springs. The airport has been gearing up for this expansion, inaugurating a new Federal Inspection Services Facility to accommodate the anticipated increase in passengers.
According to Colorado Springs, Mayor Yemi Mobolade shared his enthusiasm, "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." He pointed out that the new route is more than just a travel option, it’s a bridge connecting cultures, businesses, and families across borders. The once-weekly service will leverage the Airport’s new Federal Inspection Services Facility to ensure smooth customs and security checks upon arrival in the United States.
Southwest Airlines, a key player in making this route possible, is optimistic about the region's travelers embracing the new international connection. "Our new international service brings a faster journey for Colorado Springs travelers to reach Cancún’s world-renowned resorts and beaches," said Becky Kotara, Senior Manager of Network Planning at Southwest Airlines, as obtained by Colorado Springs. The infrastructure required for this expansion, including the Federal Inspection Services Facility, has been facilitated by a $6.4 million grant from the FAA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants program. Notably, no local tax dollars are being put toward this project at COS.
