By Christina Dawidowicz / Tucson News Now Intern
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Southwest Airlines' first seasonal service between Tucson International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport began Sunday with its first nonstop flight to and from Baltimore.
The service provides entry to the Washington, D.C., metro area for Tucson travelers and puts them one stop from other Eastern cities.
"Nonstop, East Coast service, particularly to the D.C. area, is a top priority for Tucson's business and convention stakeholders, as well as our visitors," said Bonnie Allin, CEO and President of Tucson Airport Authority. "We thank Southwest for stepping up to meet the demand."
Tucson Airport Authority Fire Department greeted the Southwest plane as it landed, forming a water arch as the plane taxied into the gate.
The new service route's timing was ideal for bringing East Coast visitors to Tucson during peak visitor season and for events such as Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and Accenture Match Play golf tournament in Marana.
"TAA works closely with airlines to establish successful routes, and the community plays a very important role in that effort," Allin said. "Filling the seats is the key to retaining the new service and influencing Southwest and other airlines to put more nonstops to and from Tucson on their schedules."
Tickets for this seasonal flight are available for purchase until April 9. Southwest will offer one flight daily to and from Baltimore.
Here's the flight schedule:
• Weekedays, arrival in Tucson at 1:20 p.m.; departure at 2 p.m.
• Saturdays, arrival at 10:50 a.m.; departure at 11:20 a.m.
• On Sundays, arrival at 12:30 p.m.; departure at 1:10 p.m.
Southwest Airlines is TIA's largest carrier, accounting for 34 percent of its traffic. Southwest offers nonstop service from Tucson to Albuquerque, N.M., Chicago Midway, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego.
Tucson previously had seasonal service to Dulles International Airport in the Washington, D.C., area from United Airlines.
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