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Southwest Airlines is set for a major expansion in Summer 2026 with new routes, increased flight frequencies, and new markets across North America. The airline will launch international service from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) for the first time and introduce new routes from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). It will also begin operations at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). This is Southwest’s 122nd airport and 43rd state served.
Las Vegas continues to be a pivotal part of Southwest’s network. In 2026, there will be a significant boost in capacity. The airline is increasing year-over-year frequencies on eight domestic routes, connecting Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) more frequently with Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Nashville International Airport (BNA), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), and Tampa International Airport (TPA).
For the first time, Southwest will also operate international service from Las Vegas, with new routes to Cancún International Airport (CUN), Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), and Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) beginning June 4th. Southwest will offer the only nonstop route between Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Cancún International Airport (CUN).
Southwest’s largest Florida operation at Orlando International Airport (MCO) is also expanding with increased frequencies on 11 routes. Enhanced connectivity will benefit travelers flying to/from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Nashville International Airport (BNA), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), and San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).
The expanded Orlando schedule builds on Southwest’s strong presence in the state (where it now serves 63 unique destinations).
With the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN) open, Southwest is preparing to operate an all-time number of flights from the airport with daily trips (including 43 destinations). A new nonstop route to Boston Logan International (BOS) will launch on June 4th. Additionally, the San Diego International Airport (SAN) to/from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) route will expand to 8x peak-day departures.
Elsewhere in California, Southwest is reinforcing its intra-state network. A redesigned schedule at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) increases peak-day service on several key routes:
- Sacramento International Airport (SAC) from 4x to 6x daily
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from 4x to 6x daily
- San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) from 6x to 7x flights
This California expansion complements recent growth and the return of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) to/from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Southwest’s Texas stronghold at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) continues to expand with a new daily route to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and the return of seasonal service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in summer 2026. Increased flight frequencies to/from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) (3x daily) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (2x flights on weekdays) will further enhance options for both business and leisure travelers. These additions build on Southwest’s 48-year legacy at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
In one of its most anticipated launches, Southwest will begin service to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) on May 15th. The airline will operate 1x daily summer flights to Denver International Airport (DEN) and Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
Anthony’s Take: Southwest already has a robust domestic schedule and it keeps adding options. Let’s see how these routes do and how Southwest continues to evolve.
(Image Credits: Southwest Airlines.)
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