Go to Guadalajara

Low-cost airline adds direct route between San Antonio and Guadalajara

Guadalajara is just a two-hour flight from San Antonio.

San Antonians are about to have a new, affordable option for direct travel to Guadalajara, Mexico. Viva Aerobus, a Mexican airline known for its very low costs, is adding the route as its sixth nonstop option from San Antonio International Airport (SAT).

When the first flights begin on December 2, 2024, they'll happen four times a week. They'll depart SAT for Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) at 9:20 am, arriving at 11:30 am, and the return flights will embark at 6 am and arrive at 8:10 am. Guadalajara and San Antonio are in the same time zone, making these an easy two-hour-and-10-minute flight.

Viva is launching eight new routes from GDL, and San Antonio is one of them. Four will fly to U.S. destinations. It is also increasing its existing service from SAT to Monterrey starting November 1, 2024. From twice daily, this route will now be offered three times daily on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

“Viva Aerobus is doing so well expanding its nonstop service to Mexico,” said San Antonio's director of airports Jesus Saenz in a press release. “Guadalajara is a popular destination for business travelers, tourists who want to check out the birthplace of mariachi music, and for people in our community who want to visit their friends and relatives.”

Viva is using Guadalajara as a growing hub that might offer a chance for connections to other parts of Mexico for future travelers. Viva currently also serves Leon/Guanajuato, Mexico City, Monterrey, Queretaro, and seasonally, Torreon.

"We see great potential in the Guadalajara market," said Viva CEO Juan Carlos Zuazua, "In fact, we have a large list of domestic and international routes we could launch from Guadalajara and other large airports in the western part of Mexico."

Finally, Saenz points to the astronomical success of SAT in the past couple of years, and encourages travelers to use the airport as a form of support and enabling more growth.

“2024 has been another record-breaking year for us. The more you choose to fly from SAT and support our airport, the more that airlines notice and expand service. We’re still growing and look forward to more exciting news to come.”

Tickets for Guadalajara are on sale now on vivaaerobus.com.

Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

undefined

American Airlines will soon introduce long-awaited nonstop flights between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

flights airport