Southwest Airlines Expands International Service with 11 New Routes
The airline will launch new international flights from several U.S. cities between November 2026 and June 2027, targeting popular vacation destinations.
Southwest Airlines is significantly expanding its international offerings, adding 11 new routes to popular vacation spots in Mexico and the Caribbean. These new flights are scheduled to begin between November 2026 and June 2027, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
The expansion begins on November 1 with a new nonstop service connecting Las Vegas (LAS) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR). This route strengthens Southwest's presence in Las Vegas, where it already holds a dominant market share.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) will see a substantial increase in international connectivity in early 2027. Southwest will launch nonstop flights to Liberia in February and Aruba (AUA) in March. By June, travelers from Nashville will also have direct access to Nassau (NAS) and Providenciales (PLS). Southwest will be the sole airline providing direct flights on these four routes from Nashville.
Austin, Texas, is also set to receive four new international connections in 2027. Service to San José, Costa Rica, will commence in March, followed by launches in June to Liberia, Punta Cana, and Nassau. Demand for travel to Liberia has notably increased, with North American travelers increasingly choosing its beaches and resorts.
Additionally, Punta Cana (PUJ) will gain two new direct routes from Columbus (CMH) and Pittsburgh (PIT). These routes will compete with similar offerings from low-cost carrier Breeze Airways.
Southwest Airlines, the world's largest low-cost carrier by fleet size and passenger volume, is aiming to transition towards a "hybrid" model that combines budget-friendly travel with enhanced amenities. The airline operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet and is in the process of upgrading its onboard services. This includes plans to introduce its first airport lounges in late 2027 in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville, in partnership with JPMorgan. CEO Bob Jordan has stated the airline's intention to expand its network and offerings to better compete with rivals.