Southwest plans to add Hilo to its Hawaii route map. The
carrier hasn't provided launch dates or routes.
Southwest did, however, say that Hilo flights would be
interisland rather nonstop to the U.S. mainland.
"We'll let you know when our low fares and interisland
flights for Hilo are available for purchase," the carrier said.
Southwest launched Hawaii service in March and currently
flies from Oakland to Honolulu and Maui and from San Jose to Honolulu. San Jose
to Maui service begins May 26.
Southwest also offers service between Honolulu and Maui and
between Honolulu and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In early March, the carrier
said it would announce flights to Kauai in the coming week, but no such
announcement has been made.
Southwest has been forced to adjust its flight planning due
to the grounding of its 34 737 Max aircraft.
Hilo sits on east coast of the island of Hawaii, across the
island from Kona.