Southwest Airlines marks first anniversary of operation into Turks and Caicos

Southwest Airlines on Monday marks its first anniversary of operation into Turks and Caicos Islands. The American carrier which added Providenciales to its route network began operations of November 5th 2017 in the wake of two major hurricanes.

Although the general passenger arrivals contracted following the storms, Southwest Airlines introduced and maintained daily flights into the islands from Fort Lauderdale.

After one year of operation, the airline carried approximately 55,000 passengers in and out of Providenciales.

As of October, Southwest Airlines reduced it operating frequency to one flight a week to match reduced demand during the low travel season.

In observing the first anniversary, Turks and Caicos Islands Premier, The Honorable Sharlene Cartwright-Robison remarked, “I remain elated that Southwest Airlines took a chance as it were on TCI following the Storms of 2017. Their entry into our market was certainly a shot of confidence in our economy and a welcoming statement to be made at the time.” She further stated “we are pleased that they have already become a staple carrier and we continue to welcome their contribution. Certainly, a job well done and we salute Southwest Airlines on its first year and look forward to many more.”

Southwest Airlines is a low cost carrier based in Dallas, and is in its 48th year of service. It is America’s largest domestic air carrier operating more than 4,000 weekday departures during peak times among a network of 99 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries.

One year ago, Turks and Caicos Islands became the airline’s 11th country served.