For Immediate Release, September 2021
Southwest Announces New Nonstop Service to Austin
September 16, 2021
SOUTHWEST ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO AUSTIN
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The tailwinds behind Charleston International Airport’s pandemic recovery grew stronger today as Southwest Airlines announced new nonstop service between Charleston and Austin, Texas. The daily flights between Charleston and Austin–Bergstrom International Airport start March 10, 2022.
“Southwest is an incredible partner, and it’s a real vote of confidence for the airport and this region that they’ve decided to expand their route map again from Charleston International,” said Elliott Summey, CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority. “The airport is a community asset, and one way we continue to increase the asset’s value is by providing access to more destinations for Charleston area residents.”
The outbound flight leaves Charleston at 10:30 a.m. EST and arrives in Austin at 12:35 p.m. CST. The flight leaving Austin departs at 1:55 p.m. CST and arrives in Charleston at 5:40 p.m. EST.
This is the first daily nonstop service between Charleston and Austin.
The new route continues Southwest’s track record of growth in the Holy City since launching service at Charleston International in 2011. Southwest currently provides daily flights from Charleston to Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston and Nashville, as well as seasonal service to Kansas City and St. Louis.
“Southwest’s announcement is a significant step forward for the travel industry and our community as we navigate the pandemic recovery. Experience tells us visitors and locals respond extremely well to Southwest’s special brand of low-cost, high-quality customer service. This new service is a win for both Austin and Lowcountry residents who can now more affordably and conveniently travel between these two spectacular destinations,” said Helen Hill, Chair of the Aviation Authority and CEO of Explore Charleston.
Tickets sales for the Austin flight start today at southwest.com.
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About Charleston International Airport
Charleston International Airport (CHS) provides first-class facilities and amenities that
embrace the history, culture and beauty of Charleston and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The airport is centrally located in the Charleston, S.C., metropolitan area and provides an exceptional first impression of the Lowcountry for more than 4 million passengers traveling to and from here annually for business and leisure activities.
The Charleston County Aviation Authority, which operates CHS, is responsible for managing, operating and developing all public airports in the Charleston County Airport District. That includes general aviation facilities the Charleston Executive Airport (JZI) on Johns Island and the Mount Pleasant Regional Airport (LRO). The runways at CHS are owned by the U.S. Air Force and Joint Base Charleston and are shared by CHS through what is the longest running civilian/military joint-use agreement of its kind with the Department of Defense. Boeing South Carolina, the final assembly for the 787 Dreamliner, sits on approximately 730 acres of land adjacent to CHS.
About Explore Charleston
As the region’s destination management and marketing organization, Explore Charleston represents ten municipalities across three counties. It seeks to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area, create overnight visitation, and support responsible development through travel and tourism strategies.
High resolution photography available upon request.
