Southwest Airlines boosts international service from Houston

Southwest Airlines said Thursday it has developed new services for some of its daily international flights from Houston, Texas, including flights to six new destinations.

Travelers going to Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize and other destinations can have access to a new five-gate concourse as well as new concessions and Federal Inspection Station for Customs and Border Protection.

"Our roots run deepest in Houston, one of our original Southwest cities, where our friendly people offer reliable service at low fares and help make Southwest the airline that now flies more travelers in the U.S. every day than any other carrier," Southwest Chairman, President and CEO  Gary Kelly said. "It's a fitting place to firmly plant our investment to connect Houstonians and millions of Southwest customers who will pass through this facility to what's important in their lives across a growing list of international service options."

Officials say that the new services and flights will strengthen the international relations of Southwest and Houston.

"Houston's already strong connection to the Americas - both culturally and economically - just got even stronger," Mayor Annise Parker said. "Houston has a well-earned reputation as a great place to do business, but it also features world-class amenities and an amazing quality of life. This partnership with Southwest will help provide limitless opportunities for businesses, residents, and tourists from the Americas to experience all of that."