NEW PLACES, NEW PARTNER: SOUTHWEST SETS SIGHTS ON ST. MAARTEN AND BEGINS NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH EVA AIR

Rhea-AI Summary

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) announced significant expansion plans through June 3, 2026, featuring three major developments. The airline will launch service to St. Maarten, its first new international destination since 2021, with daily flights from Orlando and weekend service from Baltimore/Washington starting April 7, 2026.

Southwest also unveiled a new partnership with EVA Air, enabling connections between North America and Asia through gateway airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, and Chicago O'Hare. The interline agreement is Southwest's third airline partnership.

Additionally, the airline introduced new seasonal routes including Knoxville-Denver and Chicago O'Hare-Panama City, Florida services, both starting April 9, 2026.

Positive

• Expansion to St. Maarten marks first new international destination in 5 years
• New partnership with EVA Air expands transpacific reach through 4 major U.S. gateways
• Addition of new domestic routes enhances network connectivity

Negative

• None.

Insights

Airline Industry Analyst

Southwest's strategic expansion with new Caribbean destination, EVA Air partnership, and domestic routes strengthens its competitive position and growth trajectory.

Southwest Airlines is making significant network expansion moves with three strategic developments. First, the carrier is adding St. Maarten as its first new international destination since 2021, providing daily service from Orlando and weekend flights from Baltimore/Washington starting April 2026. This Caribbean expansion opens connections to over 45 airports across the U.S., strengthening Southwest's position in leisure travel markets.

Second, Southwest is forming a new interline partnership with EVA Air - its third airline partnership overall - connecting passengers between North America and Asia through gateway airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago O'Hare. This partnership represents a calculated approach to international expansion without the capital expenditure of launching its own transpacific operations, allowing Southwest to extend its network reach while maintaining its core operational model.

Finally, Southwest is adding strategic domestic routes connecting Knoxville to Denver (seasonal weekend service) and Chicago O'Hare to Panama City, Florida (seasonal Saturday service). These additions complement Southwest's recent entry into Knoxville and enhance its competitive positioning in key leisure markets.

This multi-faceted network expansion aligns with Southwest's post-pandemic strategy of capturing leisure demand while establishing partnerships to extend its global reach without deviating from its operational strengths. The timeline for implementation (April 2026) provides sufficient lead time for operational preparation while allowing the carrier to capitalize on advance booking windows for these new markets.

Southwest Airlines Flight Schedule Extended through June 3, 2026

DALLAS, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today extended its flight schedule with more routes to new places offering inspiration to book travel through June 3, 2026. It also introduced a new international partnership with EVA Air that's on sale now and shared a third new destination for 2026, St. Maarten in the Caribbean.

One Island, Two Heartbeats

Southwest^® will bring new international service^* to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) beginning April 7, 2026, adding the island of St. Maarten to the map of tropical destinations it serves across the Caribbean. This is Southwest's first new international destination since 2021. St. Maarten is comprised of two parts, the Netherlands' constituent country of Sint Maarten, alongside the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin.

Southwest will fly roundtrip once daily between St. Maarten (SXM) and Orlando (MCO) starting April 7, with an expanded schedule two days later that includes peak-schedule service on Saturdays and Sundays between St. Maarten and Baltimore/Washington (BWI). These nonstop routes allow roundtrip connections with more than 45 airports across the U.S. Check Southwest.com for available fares and schedules.

*subject to requisite approvals 

Southwest + EVA Air

Additionally, Southwest Airlines and EVA Air, a subsidiary of the Evergreen Group, shared initial details of a new partnership that jointly will operate itineraries between North America and Asia connecting through the carriers' shared gateway airports in Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), and at Chicago (O'Hare).

EVA becomes the third airline partner announced by Southwest. Interline journeys that pair Southwest-operated service over North America with connecting transpacific flights operated by EVA Air are now available for sale through EVA Air booking channels and third-party travel sites.

Rocky Top to the Rockies

In addition to announcing new partners and locations, Southwest also introduced new routes in its schedule aimed at giving Customers time-saving ways to get to where they want to go. Recently, Southwest announced new service at Knoxville, Tennessee, and today published additional nonstop service between Knoxville and Denver, which will operate seasonally on Saturdays and Sundays beginning April 9, 2026.

From Lake Shore to the Gulf Shore

A new seasonal route will link Chicago O'Hare and Panama City, Florida, on Saturdays beginning April 9, 2026.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering a one-of-a-kind pairing of value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries, with new service in 2026 now for sale to St. Thomas, USVI, Knoxville, Tenn., and St. Maarten. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky by offering friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel, and now carries more air travelers within the United States than any other airline¹, more than 140 million enplaned Customers in 2024 alone. By empowering its more than 72,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty and leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world by 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 Q1 2025
2. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2025

ABOUT EVA AIR
EVA Air recently was recognized with its tenth consecutive SKYTRAX 5-Star Airlines award and has been deeply rooted in North America for more than 30 years, offering 89 weekly passenger flights on routes linking Taipei with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Houston, New York, Vancouver, and Toronto. EVA Air continues to play a key role in connecting North America with Asia. Beginning October 3rd, the airline will launch flights between Taipei to Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) and recently celebrated its tenth year of flying between Houston and Taipei.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-places-new-partner-southwest-sets-sights-on-st-maarten-and-begins-new-relationship-with-eva-air-302538408.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

When will Southwest Airlines begin flying to St. Maarten (SXM)?

Southwest Airlines will begin daily flights to St. Maarten from Orlando (MCO) on April 7, 2026, followed by weekend service from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) starting April 9, 2026.

What are the details of Southwest Airlines' partnership with EVA Air?

The partnership allows for interline journeys connecting Southwest's North American network with EVA Air's transpacific flights through shared gateway airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, and Chicago O'Hare.

What new domestic routes is Southwest Airlines (LUV) adding in 2026?

Southwest is adding new seasonal routes including Knoxville to Denver and Chicago O'Hare to Panama City, Florida, both operating on weekends starting April 9, 2026.

How many airports can passengers connect to from Southwest's new St. Maarten routes?

Passengers can make roundtrip connections to more than 45 airports across the U.S. through the new St. Maarten routes from Orlando and Baltimore/Washington.

Is Southwest Airlines' St. Maarten service subject to any conditions?

Yes, the new St. Maarten service is subject to requisite approvals before operations can begin.