Southwest Airlines announced its plans to add service to yet another new destination next year. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will be the newest destination for the airline, as well as Southwest’s 10th destination in Florida.

Southwest will be joining Air Canada Rouge, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country and United Airlines who all presently serve Sarasota. Specific Southwest Airlines routes haven’t been announced but except to see service to a few hubs such as Baltimore and/or Chicago Midway, however I wouldn’t rule out a quick hop over to Ft. Lauderdale either.

Per Southwest Airlines,

Southwest Airlines today announced plans to expand its Florida service by adding flights at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) in first quarter of 2021. Sarasota will be the carrier’s tenth airport served in the State of Florida and is the tenth airport in a list of new places to join the Southwest route map in the coming eight months as the carrier furthers its reach of friendly policies, iconic Hospitality, and value and comfort. Service details including the initial flight schedule and fares for Sarasota-Bradenton will be announced soon.

The Company is leveraging additional airports in or near cities where its Customer base is large, along with adding easier access to popular leisure-oriented destinations from across its domestic-focused network.

This news comes after Southwest Airlines Plans to Serve Chicago (O’Hare) and Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Plans to Serve Miami and Palm Springs in addition to Montrose (Telluride), all of which come in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and Southwest looking at ways to capitalize on additional revenue in new markets.

Do you think adding Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to the Southwest Airlines network make sense for the airline in the long run? Feel free to share your thoughts below.