Southwest Airlines Launches New Routes to Notorious Danger Zone Airport
DALLAS— Southwest Airlines (WN) has unveiled new flight routes running through June 3, 2026. This includes international travel to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten and a new partnership with EVA Air (BR).
The airline will initiate daily flights from Orlando (MCO) to St. Maarten (SXM) starting April 7, 2026. Weekend flights from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) will also begin two days later. The collaboration with EVA Air (BR) will provide travelers with connections to Asia from significant U.S. hubs like Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO).
Southwest Expands to St. Maarten
St. Maarten is Southwest’s first new international destination since 2021. The island is celebrated for its unique cultural blend of Dutch and French influences.
From April 7, 2026, Southwest will provide daily round-trips between Orlando (MCO) and St. Maarten (SXM).
Weekend flights from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) will commence shortly after, connecting travelers to over 45 U.S. cities. These routes are pending final government approval.
Additions like St. Maarten enhance Southwest’s Caribbean network, complementing popular destinations such as Montego Bay (MBJ), Nassau (NAS), and San Juan (SJU).
A Strategic Partnership with EVA Air
The agreement with EVA Air (BR), part of the Evergreen Group, facilitates one-ticket travel between U.S. domestic routes and Asia. This collaboration encompasses gateways including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
Customers can now book through EVA Air’s website or agents, integrating Southwest’s domestic offerings with EVA’s transpacific flights.
EVA Air operates nearly 90 weekly flights from Taipei (TPE) to various North American locations, including Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and Toronto (YYZ). The airline also plans to add Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to its routes by October 2025.
This partnership marks EVA Air as Southwest’s third airline collaborator, following previous interline agreements.
Introducing New U.S. Domestic Routes
In addition to international expansions, Southwest will introduce new domestic routes. Beginning April 9, 2026, seasonal weekend nonstop flights will run between Knoxville (TYS) and Denver (DEN).
This further develops Southwest’s recently announced service in Knoxville, providing quicker access to the Rocky Mountains.
Moreover, a new Saturday service will link Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Panama City (ECP) in Florida, improving leisure travel options between the Midwest and the Gulf Coast.
International Expansion Discussions
Southwest Airlines (WN) has initiated discussions with pilots and flight attendants as part of its plan to expand into new international markets.
Based in Dallas Love Field (DAL), the airline is collaborating with the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) and TWU Local 556 to create agreements that facilitate flights beyond current routes in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The airline has formally informed TWU Local 556, representing many flight attendants, about its intent to negotiate a supplemental agreement that supports expanded international operations. A similar effort is in progress with SWAPA.
Negotiations focus on necessary adjustments for long-haul flights, including duty hours, rest breaks, and incentive pay tailored to destinations outside the Americas. New agreements are essential as existing contracts were designed for Southeast’s primarily domestic routes.
Preparing for New Routes
Southwest has confirmed its plans to offer nonstop service to ReykjavĂk–KeflavĂk Airport (KEF) in 2026, marking its inaugural scheduled service to Europe.
CEO Bob Jordan has indicated that this could be the beginning of an expansive international strategy, potentially reaching Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
To prepare, the airline has submitted documentation to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for operating flights under existing Open Skies agreements.
These treaties allow U.S. airlines to operate flights freely to partner nations without restrictive limitations, granting access to regions including the EU, the UK, Japan (NRT, HND), South Korea (ICN), Australia (SYD), India (DEL, BOM), and Thailand (BKK).
About the Airlines
Southwest Airlines (WN), headquartered in Dallas, operates 117 airports across 11 countries. In 2024, it transported over 140 million passengers, leading among U.S. carriers. With a workforce of over 72,000, Southwest is known for affordable fares paired with customer-centric service.
EVA Air (BR), based in Taipei, Taiwan, has earned a SKYTRAX 5-Star rating for ten consecutive years. It has established a robust North American presence over 30 years, connecting Taipei (TPE) to major U.S. and Canadian cities, and continues to grow with new destinations and expanded frequencies in its transpacific routes.
Are you excited about these new routes and partnerships with Southwest Airlines?
