By the Caribbean Journal staff

Southwest Airlines is making a major push in the Caribbean, with more nonstop flights in its portfolio.

Southwest has officially launched new daily flights to both the Turks and Caicos Islands and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from Fort Lauderdale.

The new nonstop routes come as Southwest has helped turned Fort Lauderdale into an even bigger hub for Caribbean flights, following a big expansion push in June that included Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Belize City and Cancun.

Punta Cana.

Fort Lauderdale saw another new route launch last week with Norwegian’s new flights to the French Caribbean island of Martinique.

“Three new routes bring Southwest’s needed value for Floridians hoping to hit the beach in Provo’s world-famous Grace Bay or have a carefree weekend in a resort in Punta Cana,” said Steve Goldberg, Southwest’s Senior Vice President of Operations & Hospitality who also serves as the carrier’s Executive Sponsor of Florida. “With convenient connections for Orlando, Tampa, and dozens of cities across our domestic network, these international destinations are now reachable on Southwest where there are no change fees and bags fly free.”

Southwest also launched flights this week between Fort Lauderdale and San Jose, Costa Rica.

“We’re investing in the Caribbean with an optimistic outlook on travel and tourism as our Hearts remain with those still facing significant challenges,” Goldberg said.