(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the February 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
Texas’ own Southwest Airlines (Southwest) is now one of the largest airlines in the world by many measures, a feat that co-founder Herb Kelleher certainly smiles on from heaven, much as he does from a downtown Harlingen mural that immortalizes his vision. On peak days, more than half-a-million people fly with Southwest on more than 4,000 flights across eight time zones.
What famously started as an idea sketched on a cocktail napkin to connect Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio with affordable air service began its expansion in 1975 from that Texas Triangle with Harlingen service.
Valley International Airport in Harlingen (HRL) will host City leaders and Southwest representatives in a community commemoration of that first scheduled flight to South Texas on February 11, 1975.
Photos courtesy of Southwest Airlines.
Marv Esterly, Director of Valley International Airport, expressed his appreciation by saying, “Southwest Airlines’ arrival at Valley International Airport 50 years ago was a turning point for air travel in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Their dedication to providing affordable and reliable service has made a lasting impact, helping Valley International Airport become the gateway to the RGV that it is today. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to serve our community and travelers for decades to come."
“Five decades of continual community service only is possible through partnership, and our relationship with Valley International Airport keeps our Customer Service scores high and our costs low, which translates into the low fares we offer our Customers,” said James Campbell, Southwest Station Leader at HRL.
Southwest flies nonstop to more destinations from HRL than any other airline out of the RGV: Austin, Dallas-Love Field, and Houston-Hobby. That schedule enables connections between the RGV and more than 100 destinations across the U.S., including Hawaii, as well as the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
“My grandfather used to say, ‘there goes Herb’ when a LUV jet would overfly his house in Laurel Park,” said Brad Hawkins, Spokesman for Southwest. “17 years in my Southwest career, I now know generations of people across the Valley who have relied on us to connect them with important moments, places, and people in their lives, with our best-in-the-business Employees at Valley International Airport ushering their every journey.”
Mayor Norma Sepulveda observed, “February 11th marks a monumental milestone for Harlingen and the entire RGV as we celebrate 50 years of Southwest Airlines’ service to our community. Southwest’s commitment to Harlingen has been instrumental in connecting our region to the world and fostering growth and opportunity for our residents and businesses. We are proud to share in this legacy and look forward to many more years of collaboration and shared success.”
Additionally, Nicolás Mirman, Commercial Director of Valley International Airport, reflected, “Celebrating 50 years of Southwest Airlines at Valley International Airport is a testament to the strength of this incredible partnership. Over the years, Southwest has not only brought connectivity to the Valley, but has also created countless opportunities for growth, tourism, and economic development. This anniversary is a moment of pride for all of us at HRL, and we remain committed to supporting Southwest as they continue to serve our community with excellence.”
The 50th anniversary celebration will take place on February 11, 2025, in the Valley International Airport main first floor lobby at 1 pm. The public is invited.
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