Southwest Returns to San Francisco

Southwest(LUV Quote) says it will resume flights this fall to San Francisco International Airport, joining a bevy of low-cost carriers that have recognized the airport's improved operating environment.

Southwest, which abandoned the airport in 2001, said Friday it is talking with airport officials and "aims to return to the West Bay in a meaningful way in the early fall." It hasn't released service details.

"San Francisco International is the only major Bay Area airport we don't currently serve, having made a very difficult decision in 2001 to cease service there after nearly 20 years," said CEO Gary Kelly, in a prepared statement. "Today, SFO has improved operationally and is a more cost-efficient airport." ...