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Valley International Airport is adding a new non-stop flight to its list of seasonal routes.
From Dec. 26 to Jan. 10, American Airlines will offer non-stop service to Chicago, one of the country’s biggest hubs connecting hundreds of destinations across the Midwest and Northeast.
“The addition of Chicago service strengthens the Rio Grande Valley’s connectivity to one of the nation’s most important business and leisure markets while further enhancing the region’s attractiveness for investment, tourism and economic growth,” Orlando Campos, the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation’s chief executive officer, said in statement.
Officials are counting on the new route to boost inbound tourism, pointing to Chicago and the surrounding Midwest as key markets for travelers seeking South Texas’ balmy winters, beaches, outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
“This new service provides valuable access to South Padre Island from Chicago and countless connecting communities throughout the Midwest, helping us attract more Winter Texans, second-home owners and visitors to our region,” Kelly deSchaun, the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau’s executive director, said.
Now, American Airlines is offering tickets.
“We are excited to welcome Chicago service back and now the opportunity is in the hands of our community to support the route and demonstrate the demand needed to help (make) the business case for more frequencies and an extended season,” interim Airport Director Paul Widish said.