RDU Airport, NC – Southwest Airlines today announced it will begin daily nonstop service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and St. Louis. The once daily departure is set to begin by May 2010. Each year, more than 100,000 people travel between RDU and St. Louis, which is an additional gateway for RDU travelers headed to the western United States.

“We are very pleased that Southwest recognizes the vitality of RDU’s market and the demand that remains for service to St. Louis,” said Teresa Damiano, RDU’s director of marketing.

The news comes on the heels of American Airlines’ announcement that it would discontinue service to the city in spring 2010. American currently offers three daily departures to St. Louis.

###