ISLAND INCREASE: SOUTHWEST TO SERVE ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, BEGINNING IN EARLY 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) has announced plans to expand its network by adding service to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in early 2026, marking its first new destination addition since 2021. St. Thomas will become Southwest's ninth island destination in the Atlantic Basin.

The expansion is part of Southwest's broader transformation strategy, which includes the introduction of assigned and premium seating in Q3 2025, and plans to operate with new fare bundles and reconfigured fleet featuring extra legroom seating in Q1 2026. The airline plans to announce two more new destinations for 2026 this summer.

Positive

• First network expansion with new destinations since 2021, showing growth initiative
• Addition of premium features including assigned seating and extra legroom options
• Strategic expansion into popular tourist destination enhancing Caribbean presence
• Two more new destinations to be announced, indicating broader growth plans

Negative

• Service launch subject to governmental approvals
• New route operations won't begin until early 2026, indicating long implementation timeline

Airline begins adding new destinations to its network for the first time since 2021

DALLAS, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) intends to grow its network in 2026 initially with new service at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, adding the U.S. Virgin Islands to the carrier's tropical destinations in the Caribbean. Service is expected to begin in early 2026* and will be available for purchase soon.

"We are listening closely to what our Customers want—from new products and loyalty benefits to new destinations," said Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines. "We want to make Southwest Airlines the easy and obvious choice every time, and this is another meaningful step in our ongoing transformation."

St. Thomas is the first of three new destinations for 2026 the carrier expects to announce this summer. It will be the ninth island destination served by Southwest in the Atlantic Basin – joining Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Southwest also offers international service to Belize, two destinations in Costa Rica, and three destinations in Mexico.

"We are excited at the announcement of new airlift into St. Thomas with Southwest Airlines," shares Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. "As a destination, this expands our accessibility and connectivity to travelers, allowing for seamless and expanded travel opportunities to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that define the U.S. Virgin Islands."

"Today marks an exciting milestone for the U.S. Virgin Islands and our growing tourism industry," adds Governor Albert Bryan Jr. "We are proud to welcome this new partnership with Southwest Airlines and look forward to greeting new travelers to our beautiful island home."

In addition to offering new destinations, Southwest also is set to begin selling assigned and premium seating in the third quarter of this year and plans to operate with its new fare bundles and a reconfigured fleet, including extra legroom seating, in the first quarter of 2026.

* subject to governmental approvals

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline¹. By empowering its more than 71,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

1. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2024
2. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of March 31, 2025

ABOUT THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com. 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/island-increase-southwest-to-serve-st-thomas--us-virgin-islands-beginning-in-early-2026-302503995.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

When will Southwest Airlines (LUV) begin flights to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands?

Southwest Airlines plans to begin service to St. Thomas (STT) in early 2026, subject to governmental approvals.

What new features is Southwest Airlines adding to its service in 2025-2026?

Southwest is introducing assigned and premium seating in Q3 2025, followed by new fare bundles and reconfigured fleet with extra legroom seating in Q1 2026.

How many Caribbean destinations does Southwest Airlines now serve?

With the addition of St. Thomas, Southwest will serve 9 island destinations in the Atlantic Basin, including Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

How many new destinations will Southwest Airlines add in 2026?

Southwest Airlines plans to add three new destinations in 2026, with St. Thomas being the first announced and two more destinations to be revealed during summer 2025.

When was Southwest Airlines' last network expansion before St. Thomas?

The St. Thomas route marks Southwest's first new destination addition to its network since 2021.