IT IS NOT EVERY DAY you see charros spinning lassos inside an airport, but Volaris’s inaugural flight to Zacatecas was a cause for celebration at Oakland San Francisco Bay International Airport.
Mexican budget airline Volaris has an established presence at OAK with its direct flights to Guadalajara, Mexico City, Morelia, San Jose del Cabo, Leon, and El Salvador. The inaugural flight marks the sixth direct connection to Mexico, exemplifying the effort the airline has made in growing its international presence, particularly among Mexicans living in the United States.
Excited passengers on Wednesday’s flight helped themselves to souvenirs at Gate 3 as regional Mexican music played from loudspeakers and balloons floated over the waiting area. Before the first scheduled departure of Volaris flight 7874, officials gathered to make a few remarks about the new route.
Volaris’s Director of Market Development and Distribution Jorge Roberto Garcia Rojas thanked passengers for choosing to fly with Volaris and spoke about his excitement in growing the partnership between his airline and the Port of Oakland, the operators of airport.
“With this new route, we’re promoting tourism, driving economic development, and enriching the cultural exchange that brings our two countries closer together,” said Garcia Rojas. “Zacatecas is a city that makes you fall in love. It is categorized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, offering unique experiences.”
Port of Oakland’s Director of Aviation Craig Simon said planning new flights can take several months, but the airport is willing to increase services for local travelers.
“We’re here for the long haul with Volaris. We really want them to shine,” said Simon.
Mexican government officials also remarked on their excitement for more accessible connections for citizens living abroad and those looking for new travel experiences.
Melecio Banuelos, president of the Bay Area Zacatecas Federation in Northern California, said, “We Latinos are very family oriented. This flight will help connect those that have been apart in Mexico and the U.S.”
Consul General of the San Francisco Mexican Consulate, Ana Luisa Vallejo Barba, spoke about those who may have a heightened fear to travel because of recent anti-immigrant sentiment.
“If you have proper documentation, have legal status within the United States, don’t be scared to continue living your life, your day-to-day. We need to persevere,” said Vallejo Barba. “I encourage people to not rely on unofficial sources of information like TikTok, but to go directly to places like us to receive official updates and information. Visit the consulate website for information or to process documentation. Or even come in person.”
For many of those flying to Zacatecas, tourism is not the main draw, rather connecting with their families.
Elodia Valdez Gonzalez and her daughters Korina and Diana Hernandez Valdez traveled from Vacaville and said their regular travels to Zacatecas to visit family have been made easier over the years.
“We used to fly from San Jose directly to Zacatecas because it was the only option. Before, we flew from Oakland to Guadalajara and then take a long bus ride to Zacatecas or someone would come pick us up,” said Diana. “We chose this flight because it goes direct, no stopovers, and is closer to where we live.”
Graciela Luna took pictures of her father Benjamin Guerrero and son Fermin Luna III dressed as charros, horsemen from the Mexican countryside, in celebration of the new route. She said she was excited to see her son and father connect while they visit family in Mexico.
“It is just Fermin with grandpa today. He is happy to wear the outfit like my dad because there is a lot of charros in Zacatecas,” said Luna.
The new direct flight to Zacatecas will operate three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Fares can be found as low as $98 without the inclusion of checked baggage or carry-on items. Oakland joins San Jose as the only two airports in the Bay Area that operate to Zacatecas, with both routes being operated by Volaris.
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