Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – McAllen International Airport, the City of McAllen, and American Airlines announced the launch of new daily nonstop service between McAllen and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport beginning June 4, 2026.
City Manager Isaac J. Tawil described the new route as “an incredibly large announcement for the McAllen International Airport, for our partners at American Airlines, the city of McAllen, and really the entire Rio Grande Valley.”
Tawil said Phoenix is “one of American Airlines’ key hubs and a powerful gateway to the Western United States.” He added that the route provides travelers with “more access, more convenience, and more options” for business, education, family travel, tourism, and leisure.
According to Tawil, the new service strengthens McAllen’s role as a center for commerce, culture, tourism, and international trade. He said McAllen International Airport generates more than $1.2 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 12,000 jobs across the Rio Grande Valley.
“Reliable air service helps McAllen compete,” Tawil said. “It helps us attract investment, supports business, welcomes visitors, and connects our residents to opportunities across the country and around the world.”
Tawil also highlighted American Airlines’ continued investment in the region, noting that McAllen International Airport now connects travelers to two American Airlines hubs, Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix.
Speaking on behalf of American Airlines Government Affairs, Dale Morris said the new route reflects the airline’s long-standing relationship with McAllen and South Texas.
“Today’s announcement of new service between McAllen and Phoenix marks more than just a new route,” Morris said. “It represents America’s commitment to the community and to connecting our global network.”
Morris said the new Phoenix service will provide customers in McAllen with “convenient one-stop access to hundreds of destinations across the United States and around the world.”
He added that the investment reflects “a growing economy, strong demand for air service, and a community that believes in the value of connectivity.”
Morris credited local leaders and airport officials for helping make the route possible and presented a ceremonial partnership pin to Tawil and McAllen International Airport Director of Aviation Jeremy Santoscoy.
Santoscoy said the airport continues to focus on expanding connectivity while providing travelers with a modern and efficient travel experience.
“At McAllen International Airport, we work hard to keep our travelers connected from new routes that connect them with the people and places they need and desire to visit, to a departure and an arrival with a modern and comfortable air travel experience every step of the way,” Santoscoy said.
He described the new service as “a delivery on the disciplined effort to keep our bi-national area travelers connected with one of the most important travel hubs in the Western United States.”
Santoscoy said the airport remains committed to providing a “modern, efficient and welcoming experience” as airline service and destination options continue to grow.
Event organizers said the Phoenix route will launch June 4, 2026, providing Rio Grande Valley travelers with direct access to Phoenix and expanded connections throughout the western United States and beyond through American Airlines’ hub network.
