Southwest Failed to Get the Approval It Needs for New International Flights to Mexico

For decades, Southwest Airlines flew only domestic flights, so it could keep its operation simple, reliable and lucrative. International service can be profitable, too, but it requires airlines to obtain all sorts of regulatory approval from foreign governments. Southwest is now learning, the hard way, how challenging it can be. [UPDATED: Southwest Airlines says it has now received approval to fly to Mexico.] The airline said this week it is being forced to cancel three new flights from Los Angeles to Mexico for the foreseeable future, due to regulatory restrictions. The new flights — to Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta — started with great fanfare on Dec. 4, and lasted three days b