Nov. 10—SAN JOSE — Volaris has begun flights between San Jose and Mexico City, a new connection that marks a milestone for Bay Area travel in the coronavirus era.
Mexico-based Volaris is offering the San Jose-Mexico City flights three times a week.
The new flights are significant because they come at a time when economic uncertainties and government restrictions have drastically chopped the level of airline travel worldwide, including to and from the Bay Area's three airports.
The departure of Aeromexico from San Jose in early 2019 marked the end, at that time, of flights between San Jose and Mexico City, according to Keonnis Taylor, a spokesperson for San Jose International Airport.
"It's a pleasure to join our friends at Volaris as they welcome the return of Mexico City flights to Mineta San Jose," said John Aitken, San Jose's director of aviation.
The airline has vowed to be a significant player in the Bay Area market.
"Volaris remains focused on providing the best travel experience at affordable prices so more people can travel to San Jose," Miguel Aguíniga Rodríguez, Volaris markets developments director, said in August 2020 when the airline announced plans for the new flights.
The new flights arrive as San Jose's airport — much like virtually all commercial aviation hubs worldwide — badly needs a lift from additional service and routes.
San Jose International Airport during September 2020 accommodated 262,900 passengers, the airport has reported.
The September 2020 numbers were down 80.6% from the 1.36 million passengers who traveled through San Jose airport during September 2019.
Last month's figures were also 0.7% below the 264,900 passengers who traveled through San Jose airport in August 2020.
"We recognize the importance of this step toward recovery," Aitken said. "This service fulfills a key international link to friends, family, and opportunity for the residents of Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, and for Volaris' global network linked to Central Mexico."
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