Starting June 6, 2026, Southwest Airlines will operate a new nonstop route between Puerto Vallarta and Las Vegas.
This new route strengthens tourism connectivity and opens opportunities for both Mexican travelers planning a city break and American visitors seeking the beaches of the Mexican Pacific.
The new route adds to the sustained growth of the Puerto Vallarta Airport, which already connects to 54 national and international destinations.
With this service, Southwest will offer seven direct routes from the United States to Vallarta, including Denver, Houston, Orange County, Sacramento, Austin, and Phoenix, in addition to the San Diego–Puerto Vallarta connection that will begin on March 5, 2026.
For those traveling from Puerto Vallarta to Las Vegas, the launch of this flight represents easier access to one of the most vibrant tourist destinations in the United States, with its world-class shows, cuisine, entertainment, conventions, and top-tier hotels.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the city received more than 40 million visitors in 2024 thanks to its entertainment offerings and international events.
New route arrives ahead of the 2026 World Cup
For those flying from Las Vegas to Puerto Vallarta, the destination offers the most efficient gateway to the Mexican Pacific.
The airport is located just 15 minutes from downtown and less than an hour from key destinations like Punta Mita and Sayulita, allowing for quick access to beaches, culture, surfing, local cuisine, and unique natural experiences.
This new route comes at a crucial time, as the United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event that will increase tourism between the two countries.
Puerto Vallarta becomes a strategic option for travelers who want to combine matches in nearby cities like Los Angeles and Guadalajara with a few days of relaxation by the sea.
Puerto Vallarta Airport is undergoing an expansion, with an investment exceeding 9.2 billion pesos for the construction of the new terminal building. This new facility will have over 74,000 square meters of space, 15 additional contact positions, and LEED Gold certification, an international standard for sustainability and energy efficiency.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will double the airport’s operational capacity. The airport is operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (Pacific Airport Group).
As of the end of October, the airport handled 5.6 million domestic and international passengers.
Source: eluniversal
