Houston and Mexico share strong business and cultural ties. More than 6 million passengers flew in and out of Houston to Latin American destinations, and Mexico fueled that growth.

On Dec. 16, 1966, a Trans Texas Convair 600 aircraft operated by Continental Airlines’—now United Airlines— took the short flight from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)—the only international airport in Houston at the time— to Monterrey, Mexico.

Now, 50 years later, Houston enjoys more connectivity to Mexico than any other city in the nation. United Airlines provides nonstop service from Houston to almost 30 destinations in Mexico.

Mexico is now more popular than ever. Since 2014, new nonstop service to Mexico has increased dramatically:

- Interjet landed at Bush Intercontinental in October 2014, beginning nonstop service to Monterrey, Mexico.

- In November 2014, AeroMexico added nonstop service to Monterrey, Mexico.

- In Spring 2015, Spirit Airlines began nonstop service to three Mexican destinations: Cancun, Los Cabos, Mexico City.

- Late 2014, VivaAerobus added nonstop service to Cancun and Guadalajara, Mexico.

- Volaris started nonstop service to Guadalajara, Mexico in March 2015.

- Southwest Airlines launched nonstop service to Cancun, Puerta Vallarta, Los Cabos and Mexico City in Mexico in October 2015.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner bestowed one of the city’s highest honors to Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, when he presented him with the keys to the city last month. Houston will also host three matches for the 2016 Centennial Copa America at NRG Stadium in June, including a group stage game featuring Mexico on June 13. In addition, Mexico City will host the first NFL Monday Night Football game outside the United States when the Houston Texans play the Oakland Raiders on November 21.