Making plans for a trip to Mexico this fall?
A budget airline is coming to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with direct flights to our neighbor to the south.
Hartsfield-Jackson is the world's busiest airport, and soon the purple-tailed Airbuses of Volaris will add to the landscape of planes above Atlanta.
Volaris, a budget airline, will begin offering direct flights from Atlanta to airports in Mexico in October, providing a cheaper way to travel internationally in the wake of the Spirit Airlines closure earlier this year.
Here's what to know.
What is Volaris?
Volaris markets itself as an "ultra low cost airline with the cheapest flight deals," and is based out of Mexico City.
The airline only offers an economy class, though you can pay extra for additional
legroom. Tickets include a small personal item, so you have to pay extra for a carry-on bag or checked bag. Snacks and drinks are also an additional charge on the flight.
The company already services dozens of cities across Mexico, and is expanding into the United States market. The airline also flies to other countries in South America.
For example, if you were to leave Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 7, fly to Mexico City (to any of their multiple airports) and return back to Atlanta on Saturday, Oct. 10, a flight on Volaris could cost as little as $190 roundtrip. The trip would land at Felipe Ángeles International Airport after one layover.
When will Volaris begin operation in Atlanta?
According to Hartsfield-Jackson, Volaris will begin flights between Atlanta and Mexican airports on Oct. 2, 2026.
While Volaris may be new to Atlanta, it's not new to the skies.
The airline is widespread in Mexico and began operation in 2006, according to Hartsfield-Jackson.
How many airlines operate out of Atlanta airport?
There are 27 airlines that operate in and out of Atlanta, though smaller carriers typically partner with the larger airlines.
Delta Air Lines operates the most flights at Hartsfield-Jackson, and the airport is the airlines international hub. Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines also contribute a significant number of flights in Atlanta every day.
Irene Wright covers Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today's Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New airline to start flights in Atlanta in October. Where will it fly?
