Southwest Airlines Unveils 8 New Routes as It Expands Schedule Through Fall 2025
Southwest Airlines is charting an exciting new course for the future, adding eight fresh domestic routes to its network as part of an expanded schedule into the fall of 2025. The Dallas-based airline revealed the new routes, which were first spotted in Cirium flight schedules and later confirmed by the carrier.
The New Routes:
- Austin to San Francisco
- Nashville to Louisville
- Indianapolis to Chicago Midway
- Los Angeles to Orlando
- Orlando to Miami
- Orlando to West Palm Beach
- Orlando to Sarasota
- Phoenix to Santa Barbara
These new services are slated to begin in August 2025, enhancing Southwest’s existing network with new destinations and frequencies. The new routes come on the heels of significant shifts in Southwest’s strategy, including the upcoming introduction of assigned seating in 2026 and potential international partnerships.
While some of these routes have previously operated, Southwest is making noteworthy returns, such as the long-dormant Orlando to West Palm Beach route, which last flew in 2002. Additionally, the Indianapolis to Chicago Midway route, last flown in August 2020, is making a comeback.
Service Details: Most of these new routes will operate daily, but a few will have different schedules. Phoenix to Santa Barbara will only run on Sundays, while the Nashville to Louisville route will operate six days a week, with Saturdays excluded.
The introduction of four Florida-based routes is especially notable. Orlando, one of Southwest’s key hubs, will see several new additions, including services to both Miami and West Palm Beach, along with an ultra-short hop to Sarasota. The Sarasota route is just 104 miles long which is just about an hour flight.
Southwest is also adding new competition to Delta’s recent move from Austin to San Francisco. Though Southwest is the largest carrier in Austin, Delta has expanded its presence there in recent months. Meanwhile, the Nashville to Louisville route underscores Southwest’s shifting focus from Atlanta to Nashville. This aligns with the airline’s investment in Nashville, where it recently opened a new flight crew base and plans to increase Sunday departures to new heights in 2025.
In a broader strategy shift, Southwest has been increasing its presence in the Southeast and reworking its route strategy. Earlier this year, the airline cut 15 markets from its Atlanta operations, even as it introduced six new routes from Nashville. Southwest has also ventured into intrastate routes, including a new Nashville to Memphis service launching next year.
These route changes align with Southwest’s broader business strategy to optimize its network, streamline operations, and drive profitability. The airline’s latest filings hint at further tactical actions, focusing on network optimization and refining its revenue management techniques. As the carrier moves forward, its extended booking window to October 2025 offers travelers the opportunity to plan ahead for these exciting new connections.
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