Dallas, TX – August 2025 – Southwest Airlines announced a bold expansion for 2026, introducing Knoxville, St. Thomas, and numerous new routes to its network. These moves mark the airline’s first new city additions since 2021 and underscore its ongoing push toward greater domestic and Caribbean connectivity.
Knoxville Joins Southwest’s System with Four Key Routes
Beginning March 5, 2026, Southwest will launch service to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) near Knoxville. The new routes include:
- Knoxville ↔ Nashville (BNA) — twice daily
- Knoxville ↔ Baltimore (BWI) — once daily
- Knoxville ↔ Dallas Love Field (DAL) — once daily
- Knoxville ↔ Orlando (MCO) — once daily
This launch marks Knox’s third major Tennessee connection, alongside Memphis and Nashville, and restores Southwest’s presence following its AirTran integration in 2014.
Caribbean Comes Closer: First Southwest Flights to St. Thomas
In early 2026, Southwest will debut service to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, its ninth Caribbean destination. This move enhances travel access to tropical getaways and beachside escapes.
Robust Route Expansion Across the Network
San Diego Gains New Lifeline
With the opening of Phase 1A of the New Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN) in late 2025, Southwest will launch five year-round routes beginning March 5, 2026:
- Eugene (EUG)
- Maui (OGG)
- Portland (PDX)
- Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
- Seattle (SEA)
In addition, there will be seasonal Saturday flights to Bozeman (BZN) and Spokane (GEG) starting March 7, catering to leisure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Midwest and Southwest Connector Enhancements
Starting March 2026, Southwest will boost connectivity via additional twice-daily flights:
- Chicago Midway (MDW) → Milwaukee (MKE), Phoenix (PHX), Little Rock (LIT), Tucson (TUS), Nashville (BNA)
- Chicago → Des Moines (DSM), Tulsa (TUL), Wichita (ICT)
- Dallas Love Field → Oklahoma City (OKC) — upgraded to twice daily
This reinforces flexibility for both business and leisure travelers.
Why It Matters for Travel & Tourism
- Boosts Regional Tourism: Knoxville’s access elevates Appalachian tourism and for business and family travel.
- Island Access Simplified: Southwest’s St. Thomas service positions Caribbean getaways within reach for wider travelers.
- Enhanced West Coast Reach: San Diego’s new terminal and routes mean increased inbound visitors to Southern California’s attractions.
- Network Flexibility: Expanded connectors enable easier travel across major U.S. hubs.
Snapshot: Southwest’s 2026 Expansion Highlights
| Region | New Routes & Service Details |
|---|---|
| Knoxville | Service begins Mar 5: BNA (2x daily), BWI, DAL, MCO (1x daily each) |
| St. Thomas | Early 2026 launch as ninth Caribbean destination |
| San Diego | New nonstop flights to EUG, OGG, PDX, PVR, SEA (year-round); BZN & GEG (seasonal Saturdays) |
| Network Connections | New twice-daily MDW routes to MKE, PHX, LIT, TUS, BNA; DSM, TUL, ICT; OKC flight upgraded to 2x daily |
Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines’ expansive 2026 schedule reinforces its commitment to growing access across the U.S. and Caribbean. By targeting underserved areas like Knoxville and introducing seasonal and transoceanic connections, Southwest continues to align with traveler demand for versatility, affordability, and convenience.
If you’d like a tailored itinerary guide for adventurers planning to use these routes—like Smoky Mountains getaways or island escapes—just let me know!
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