TAMPA, Fla. — It's been nearly two years since Edelweiss Air paused direct jet trips from Tampa to Zürich.
Now, those twice-weekly flights are coming back. The first flight lands around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday.
And, the news marks a turning point in the pandemic. It's actually the Swiss leisure airline's first direct re-connection to the United States since COVID-19 began wreaking havoc on the aviation world.
And, you better believe Tampa International Airport is rolling out the welcome wagon. The airport, known for its wit on social media, is putting together a celebration so the first arriving passengers feel right at home when they land in Tampa.
As the airplane taxis to the gate, firefighters will form a water arch over the aircraft. There will be steel drum music and a pirate handing out beads to passengers as they walk through the airport.
Edelweiss Air CEO Bernd Bauer and other VIPs will be among the first travelers to pass through customs after landing. TPA CEO Joe Lopano will greet the airline executives with gifts.
