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Norfolk is getting its first-ever nonstop commercial flight to the West Coast next year.

Southwest Airlines will operate the flight from Norfolk International Airport to San Diego International Airport. The seasonal service begins June 9 and ends Aug. 4.

The nonstop route operates only on Sundays, said Southwest spokesman Dan Landson.

“There’s a strong connection between the two cities, and we see travel demand pick up in the summer,” he said.

The flight leaves Norfolk on Sundays at 12:40 p.m. and arrives in San Diego at 3 p.m. The return nonstop also is on Sundays, leaving San Diego at 3:45 p.m. and arriving in Norfolk at 11:50 p.m. The cost was $371.98 including taxes and fees, according to a search on Southwest’s website leaving June 9 and returning June 16.

“While we will offer the nonstop route in the summer on Sundays, on other days travelers can reach the two cities via Southwest’s strong network with as little as one-stop,” Landson said.

George Hoffer, a longtime transportation economist and now adjunct professor at the University of Richmond, asked “Why not RIC?”