Schumer urges Southwest Airlines to offer flights from Syracuse airport

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Will Southwest Airlines eventually fly out of Syracuse Hancock International Airport? It will if U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) has something to say about it.

The senator recently spoke with Southwest CEO Gary Kelly about the possibility. Schumer urged Southwest Airlines to “expand and enhance” its presence in upstate New York by providing air service from Syracuse. Hancock is currently the only major upstate airport that Southwest does not serve.

Schumer highlighted his long history of working with Southwest and other airlines to bring service to upstate New York, the success of those routes, and the “widely predicted post-pandemic economic boom as proof” that establishing service at the Syracuse airport would be a “win-win,” Schumer’s office said.

Central New York residents have been known to drive to Albany, Rochester, or Buffalo to take advantage of Southwest’s low fares. Schumer said this additional option would boost competition, availability of low-cost flights, and connectivity for travelers and businesses in Central New York.

“Like all of us, airlines have spent the last year buckled down. Now we and they are roaring back, and there’s no better way for Southwest to profit from the recovery than by building upon its strong brand Upstate. Starting new flights from Syracuse will position Southwest perfectly for post-pandemic success,” Schumer contends.