Spirit Airlines in May expanded its international reach with the launch of a new direct flight from New Orleans (MSY) to Tegucigalpa, Honduras (XPL). The new route makes New Orleans just the fifth U.S. city to offer nonstop service to the Honduran capital.
Aiming to revitalize the sister city agreement between Tegucigalpa and New Orleans, a U.S. delegation from New Orleans met with the capital’s mayor, Lic. Jorge Aldana. The delegation included Rosine Pema Sanga, representative of the New Orleans Mayor’s Office, Mayra Pineda, president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, business leaders, journalists, and special guests, all of whom supported discussions on this important pact. The project promises to strengthen commercial and cultural ties between both cities.
This new route complements Spirit’s existing service from Fort Lauderdale to Tegucigalpa and builds on the airline’s growing presence in Central America. Flights operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. The service uses an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 176 seats, with fares starting as low as $119 one-way. Spirit has also offered nonstop service from New Orleans to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, since 2021.
With this addition, Tegucigalpa becomes the seventh international destination or U.S. territory with direct air access to and from New Orleans. The route further strengthens New Orleans’ connectivity in the region and supports the city’s role as a key hub for travel to Central America.
Camilo Martelo, Director of International Airports at Spirit Airlines, says, “We made the decision to be the first to fly from this airport and, more importantly, to support the Honduran community. It’s not an easy task, but we were committed to providing this connectivity to the central region and the capital.”
Travelers now have a convenient, affordable new option to visit Tegucigalpa, a bustling capital city known for its mountainous scenery, vibrant culture, and growing economic ties to the U.S.
Spirit’s latest move highlights the increasing demand for direct international travel from New Orleans, offering new opportunities for tourism, business, and family visits between Louisiana and Honduras.
