2 US Cities Launching First Ever Flights To Popular Beach Destinations

At Travel Off Path, we try not to take for granted how awesome it is to wake up in your own bed, zoom above the clouds, ultimately to have dinner in paradise by day’s end.

That’s why it always add an extra layer of intrigue and excitement when there are new flights, especially for the first time ever.

We’ve covered some hugely surprising airport announcements all over the map throughout 2025 from Gulf Shores, Alabama, to Tepic, Mexico, and even little-known Paducah, Kentucky is set to welcome United.

But it’s equally exciting (if not more) to find out your hometown is set to welcome ground-breaking flights to a pair of the Western Hemisphere’s top paradises.

Say goodbye to the days of frustrating layovers and say hello to direct access to pristine shores and lavish all-inclusive resorts.

Southwest’s Historic New Flight To Cabo 🇲🇽

As popular as Los Cabos is across the globe, it’s hard to imagine any notable American city not flying nonstop here.

One would think Cabo covers the map in terms of air travel, but apparently, there’s been at least one major city that has missed out on the action.

Even more surprising is that there haven’t been seasonal flight offerings given the Midwest’s notorious frigid winters — what better place to escape than Cabo?

According to the experts at The Cabo Sun, Indianapolis is set to welcome their first-ever direct to one of Mexico’s iconic vacation spots.

The downside is Hoosiers will have to put up with one last winter before being able to venture to the southernmost point of the Baja Peninsula.

Flights are set to launch with spring break. The slated dates are March 5 through April 6, 2026, so if you’d like to see the route forge forward, you’d better tell your friends so flights sell out quickly!

Especially, as the service will only be offered on Saturdays. That means there will only be 5 flights in total for your chance to enjoy stunning Blue Flag-certified shores and some of the finest all-inclusive resorts across Latin America.

What’s New In Los Cabos

Just because Cabo seems to break tourism records each year, doesn’t mean you have to experience the same-o, same-o.

In 2025, Cabo has welcomed (and will welcome) many new enticements to get you here:

Best of all, Cabo was declared one of Mexico’s safest destinations for 2025.

Travel Tip ✈️: Make sure you remember the new rules for Southwest! No more ‘bags fly free’….womp, womp.

Avelo Welcomes Historic New Flight To Punta Cana 🇩🇴

Ever heard of Avelo? It’s okay if you haven’t. It’s one of America’s newest airlines.

Some travelers become squeamish hopping aboard airlines they have never heard of before, but there’s no need to worry about Avelo.

It’s actually been named the most reliable US airline more than once, and they continue to grow their portfolio with some of Americans’ favorite international beach getaways.

Punta Cana is the latest addition. As someone who had the chance to visit for the first time last summer, I can attest that even if you did have a layover, the juice is worth the squeeze.

The good news is those flying out of Wilmington, North Carolina have no such juice to squeeze since they’re set to receive their first-ever direct flight to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic’s most popular paradise.

Like Cabo, this slice of paradise is lined with Blue Flag-certified beaches and ritzy all-inclusives, but far better rates!

The great part about Punta Cana is you don;t have to fork over a whole paycheck for a single night’s stay and many beaches are swimmable when you time it right outside from sargassum season.

Otherwise, nearby Saona Island has you covered.

Christmas comes early for North Carolinians as Avelo is set to launch the historic flight December 24, 2025, the 17th destination out of ILM.

What’s New In Punta Cana

If you’re the type of traveler who sticks to the same resort year after year, it’s time to switch up the game plan!

Here are 4 new Punta Cana resorts opening in 2025: