Fly Directly To Albuquerque From Burbank Starting Early Next Year

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — Southwest Airlines will offer a daily non-stop flight from Hollywood Burbank Airport to Albuquerque International Sunport beginning early next year, the airline announced on Thursday.

The first daily service offering between the two cities, the flights are set to begin on Jan. 17, 2022, the Albuquerque Film Office said. They will allow New Mexico film industry professionals who would typically fly into LAX easier access to studios.

"The Sunport is New Mexico’s connection to the world, and service to and from Burbank is a big boost as filming continues to ramp up in our state," Mayor Tim Keller said. "This new service not only provides better connection for our film industry, but also opens new doors for economic development and tourism with southern California – a win for building a gateway to the southwest."

Southwest representatives said the flights build on their company's foundation as a "point-to-point airline" by giving travelers a quicker journey between New Mexico and the San Fernando Valley, the Albuquerque Film Office said.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on the Southwest website.

Albuquerque has been looking forward to service to Burbank for "quite some time," Nyika Allen, the city's director of aviation, said.

"This option is sure to strengthen our ties with the film industry," Allen said. "Today’s announcement from Southwest is an exciting and welcomed one as we continue to rebound and recover from COVID-19."