Southwest begins daily service between RIC and Nashville, BWI

Officials from Richmond International Airport and Southwest Airlines Tuesday celebrated the airline's first direct flight to Nashville, one of two new destinations Southwest is serving from RIC.

The first flight to Nashville passed through a ceremonial water arch (pictured) at the airport before taking off. Southwest previously had announced plans for weekly service between Richmond and Nashville that was to begin in October, but more recently airline officials opted to move the service's start date up and make the service daily instead of weekly.

In addition, the airline also began twice-daily service to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshal Airport Tuesday. Southwest also provides daily service between RIC and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport and Denver International Airport.

“The addition of these two markets in June is a perfectly timed enhancement, helping us amplify our support for RIC travelers during the peak summer travel season,” said Capital Region Airport Commission president and CEO Perry J. Miller. “BWI offers tremendous connectivity to more Northeast and Midwest destinations. Plus, our data and corporate surveys show that demand for more frequent Nashville service has been growing – and we went one step further by offering a daily nonstop option. Southwest and RIC are thrilled that this expanded service will provide two tremendous solutions to Richmond region travelers.”