ISLAND INCREASE: SOUTHWEST TO SERVE ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, BEGINNING IN EARLY 2026
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.
- Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2024
- 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.
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.