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OKC Will Rogers Airport to offer direct flights to Cancun this winter in 'historic' move

OKC Will Rogers Airport to offer direct flights to Cancun this winter in 'historic' move

Yahoo26-03-2025
If you're planning a winter getaway, add Cancun to the list of spots.
OKC Will Rogers International Airport will soon add its first international flight in a "generation" with a nonstop flight to Mexico, officials announced Wednesday.
The flight will fly direct to the Caribbean Sea border city weekly from November 8 until April 4, 2026.
Mayor David Holt said that adding the first international flight out of Oklahoma City is a historic moment for the city.
'This milestone is a testament to our city's renaissance, as well as a reflection of our willingness to invest in ourselves. This would not have been possible without the vision of our airport leadership to construct the necessary facilities and their persistence in marketing this opportunity to the carriers. Our gratitude to them, as well as American Airlines," Holt said in a press release.
The flight, operated by American Airlines, will run each Saturday.
'American Airlines is a great partner, and we appreciate their support of OKC and our community. We are nearing completion of our customs facility, which will allow this new international service to become a reality. This type of new international nonstop service elevates OKC to a new level and offers our travelers another quality-of-life improvement," Airports Director Jeff Mulder said in a press release.
Tickets will go on sale starting March 31.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC airport will now offer direct flights to Cancun this winter
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