Southwest Airlines and Bellingham International Airport announced Southwest plans to launch flights to Bellingham in the second half of 2021. Southwest will announce its nonstop Bellingham destinations and flight schedules later this year.
Southwest Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Gary Kelly, said, “Southwest service in Bellingham positions us just south of Metro Vancouver, British Colombia. Following the reopening of the Canadian border, we expect a return of the value-minded travelers who already drive to this alternative airport to escape high fares and taxes—and that's very, very typical for Southwest destinations. Southwest provides a great value for them.”
Bellingham International Airport is owned and operated by the Port of Bellingham. Port Commission President Ken Bell said, “We can’t wait to welcome Southwest Airlines to Bellingham. Southwest’s daily flights will deliver frequent and reliable value service connecting our corner of the Pacific Northwest with the rest of North America, bringing low fares to Bellingham and our neighbors in British Columbia. We thank Southwest for making a significant commitment to our region and seeing the value in this market. This will greatly improve our ability to serve the economic needs of Whatcom County and the surrounding region.”
Port of Bellingham Executive Director Rob Fix said, “The Port’s Director of Aviation Sunil Harman and his team continually work with airlines to promote the Bellingham – Vancouver market. We are proud Southwest chose our airport and will continue to work with the airline to deliver destinations our customers want.”
Southwest joins Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air at Bellingham International Airport. Alaska flies daily to Seattle/Tacoma, while Allegiant has nonstop service to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Palm Springs, Phoenix (Mesa), and San Diego.
Bellingham International Airport is working hard to ensure travel is safe during the pandemic. It recently became the location for a new COVID-19 testing site. The site is open daily from noon to 3 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm in Parking Lot A. You can make an appointment at TestDirectly.com.
Bellingham International Airport follows guidance provided by public health experts at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State of Washington Department of Health, and the Whatcom County Health Department. The Airport has also increased its use of disinfectant and cleaning in “high touch” areas.