Southwest Airlines announced its plans to add service to two new cities later this year. The airline will be adding Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and Miami International Airport (MIA) to its network pending government approval.

Both of these additions are a direct result of increased result of leisure flying over business travel, which the airline hopes to capture additional revenue for two new leisure markets. Southwest hasn’t announced specific routes at this time.

Per Southwest,

“Our service to both of these airports will bring new, relevant options for our core Customers. Gradually, they’re rediscovering leisure travel across the country as their own situations allow. Adding these specific airports to our route map will bring us access to additional revenue at a critical time. It matches our available fleet with demand for very popular destinations.

Each airport fits our route system exceptionally well. Palm Springs is a great California destination. Southwest has long carried more Customers to, from, and within the Golden State than any other airline. Just as we serve multiple airports in metro areas across the country, South Florida is ripe for another. Miami will complement, and augment, existing South Florida service we have in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

Miami already sees some Southwest aircraft on a weekly basis as part of our maintenance program, so adding an ability for our Customers to travel there with us is a win. In both cases, the unmatchable combination of your Hospitality, our low fares, and our Customer friendly policies will make flying to these airports more affordable and attainable. And this is a time when consumers cheer access to the Southwest brand and our great value.”

Southwest Airlines serves Ft. Lauderdale currently, so adding Miami will be another option for South Florida visitors. Miami is home to American Airlines, so I’m sure we’ll see some fare competition once service launches.

Palm Springs doesn’t have a major carrier, so it will be nice to see more connectivity options as a result of Southwest’s new service.

Also check out other recent Southwest Airlines route announcements:

• Southwest Airlines Announces Service to Steamboat Springs, CO (HDN)
• Southwest New Flights Hawaii, Mexico, Turks & Caicos
• Southwest Airlines New Nonstop Routes and Returning Seasonal Service
• Southwest Airlines Announces New Routes from Nashville and More
• Southwest Airlines Launches Several New Routes
• Southwest Airlines Expands at NYC LaGuardia (LGA) and Reagan (DCA) and More
• Southwest Airlines Expands at Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Exciting Route News
• Southwest Airlines Hawaii Update; Plans to Sell Flights Soon

What are your thoughts on Southwest Airlines latest announcement? Feel free to leave a comment below.