Southwest Airlines is set to expand its network significantly with the launch of **31 new routes** between **March 2 and March 8, 2026**. This move marks a notable increase in the airline’s offerings, enhancing travel options for both domestic and international passengers. As the third-largest airline in the United States by available seats, Southwest continues to adapt its services despite a slight reduction in capacity noted in recent **Cirium Diio** data.
The upcoming routes include **25 domestic flights** and **six international connections**. The international destinations feature **Indianapolis to Los Cabos**, **Kansas City to Punta Cana**, **Nashville to Montego Bay and San José**, **St. Louis to Puerto Vallarta**, and **San Diego to Puerto Vallarta**. Most of these international routes are new additions to Southwest’s service map, with the exception of the San Diego to Puerto Vallarta route, which was previously operated from March 2018 to April 2020.
Details of the New Routes
Southwest’s upcoming flight schedule reflects a strategic effort to bolster its presence in key markets. Notably, **Nashville** will become Southwest’s seventh most-served airport with five new routes, including **flights to Knoxville, Little Rock, Montego Bay, Montrose, and San José (Costa Rica)**. This expansion emphasizes the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, particularly for short intrastate routes like Knoxville.
In **San Diego**, travelers will see five new connections as well, including service to **Bozeman, Kahului, Puerto Vallarta, Seattle, and Spokane**. This competitive move aims to challenge **Alaska Airlines**, which has been a dominant player in those markets.
Among the new additions, there are four exceptionally short routes. The average distance of the 31 routes is **848 nautical miles (1,571 km)**, but several notably short flights are included. Routes such as **Chicago Midway to Milwaukee**, **Dallas Love to Oklahoma City**, **Nashville to Knoxville**, and **Phoenix to Tucson** will be primarily served for increased national connectivity, rather than local traffic.
Highlighting a Unique Route from Midway to Milwaukee
One of the standout new connections is the route from **Chicago Midway to Milwaukee**, measuring just **70 nautical miles (130 km)** each way. This route will become Southwest’s second-shortest market since the introduction of the **Denver to Colorado Springs** route in 2021. Flights from Midway to Milwaukee will commence on **March 5, 2026**, with a double daily operation using the **Boeing 737-700**, which accommodates **137 passengers**.
The initial flight schedule displays a variety of departure times, catering to different travel preferences. On March 5, the first flight will depart at **10:00** and arrive in Milwaukee by **10:45**. The schedule is designed for flexibility, with additional flights throughout the week to accommodate passengers.
As Southwest Airlines embarks on this significant expansion, the introduction of these new routes signals a proactive approach to meeting the evolving demands of travelers across North America. The airline’s ability to adapt in a competitive landscape highlights its commitment to providing diverse travel options, ensuring that passengers have access to a broader range of destinations.
