Southwest Airlines has received approval from the US Department of Transportation to launch new service between Los Angeles and Cancun, Mexico.

The carrier has announced new twice-daily service between LA and Cancun, with flights scheduled to begin Dec. 4.

That’s subject to the approval of the Mexican government, however.

“Southwest’s approval from the DOT to operate these new routes made history as the first authorities granted in a new agreement between the U.S.and Mexicoto allow more service between the countries,” said Paul Cullen, vice president and executive sponsor of Los Angeles for Southwest Airlines. “We are able to do what we have done for decades in California and in cities across the country: enter a nonstop market, bring low fares with unmatched value, and connect people in a more affordable way with places that are important in their lives.”

The carrier will also launch service from Los Angeles to Los Cabos (twice-daily) and Puerto Vallarta (once daily).

“Los Angeles and Mexicoshare an unbreakable bond, and today our cultural and commercial connections become even stronger,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti “These new Southwest flights from LAX to Mexicowill expand L.A.’s global reach, bring Angelenos closer to the people they love, and help our city’s economy continue to grow.”

— CJ Staff