Just in time for spring break, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Southwest Airlines celebrated the inaugural flight from Houston to Cozumel, Mexico, that departed at 11:50 a.m. on Saturday, March 7.

“Mexican destinations continue to be the most popular with Houston leisure travelers,”  said  Houston Aviataion Director Mario Diaz.  “The new route to Cozumel from Hobby Airport solidifies our commitment to offer flexible options and the best vacation destinations to our customers.

Southwest Airlines employees, customers and Houston Airports personnel participated in the big send-off party of Flight 795, the first of the new twice-daily route to Cozumel. To the tune of traditional mariachis, Gate 3 welcomed the festive celebration that included dance, special games, refreshments and Mexican art.

“This is very exciting for us,” Chris Johnson, Southwest Airlines Managing Director of Ground Operations said. “We believe in having fun in every flight, but this flight is special because it’s the inaugural flight. Southwest Airlines is the largest domestic carrier in the nation and we do have an eye to expand our international routes, and Cozumel is a part of that plan for us.”

Cozumel is Southwest Airlines fourth destination in Mexico and 11th international market served nonstop from HOU. From Houston, Southwest offers up to nearly 200 departures a day to more than 65 destinations across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.