Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX-8 (Ashlee D. Smith/Southwest Airlines)

Southwest Airlines on Thursday launched twice daily flights from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to San Diego International Airport (SAN).

The flights — first announced in February — depart FAT at 6:30 a.m. and 3:55 p.m.

San Diego becomes the fourth destination served by Southwest Airlines through FAT. Additional daily, nonstop flights depart to Las Vegas and Denver, as well as seasonal service to Dallas Love Field.

Southwest Airlines first started operating out of FAT in April 2021.

The new service by Southwest Airlines adds a second airline option between Fresno and San Diego, joining Alaska Airlines.

“Southwest Airlines’ continues to grow its presence at Fresno Yosemite International Airport by adding popular destinations to meet the increasing air travel needs of California’s Central Valley,” said Interim Director of Aviation Francisco Partida in a statement. “The addition of San Diego service operated by Southwest Airlines expands convenient access between the Central Valley and sunny Southern California and is timely with planning upcoming holiday travels.”

Partida’s interim status takes effect after former Director of Aviation Henry Thompson died unexpectedly in July. Thompson hired Partida in March 2023 to serve as assistant director of aviation. He came from Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport in Brownsville, Texas, with more than 18 years of professional aviation experience, including in airport management, as a corporate pilot and in marketing/advertising, according to the airports department.