Southwest gives up two planned routes to Mexico City

Southwest is giving up a pair of coveted slots at Mexico City’s airport as the carrier shifts its growth focus elsewhere, including other leisure-friendly destinations in Mexico. Southwest won the rights to operate four additional flights in and out of Mexico City earlier this year after Delta Airlines and Aeromexico were forced to give them up as part of a joint venture between the carriers. The decision to relinquish the valuable rights comes at a time when Southwest is in the midst of an international growth-spree, launching service to 16 international destinations since 2014. That includes a heavy focus on popular tourist destinations, including Mexican beach towns, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Southwest was one of several carriers to gain new access this year at Mexico City International Airport, where the number of daily flights is limited due to space and capacity constraints.<br/>