Southwest Airlines will soon serve more destinations in the Caribbean, beginning with Cyril E. King International Airport on St. Thomas. The airline has not added new destinations to its service since 2021. This is the first of three new destinations the airline is announcing this summer for 2026. Service is slated to begin in early 2026, pending government approvals.
“We are excited at the announcement of a 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.”
Other Tropical Service Areas
Southwest Airlines currently serves nine island destinations, including Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Turks and Caicos Islands. Southwest flyers can also choose international service to Belize, two destinations in Costa Rica and three in Mexico.
“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.”
Additional Changes to Improve Guest Experience
In addition to new travel destinations, Southwest is improving its guest experience by selling assigned and premium seating in 2025. By the first quarter of 2026, the airline will be operating with a new fare bundle and reconfiguring its fleet. Additionally, extra legroom options are coming to maximize comfort.
For more information on Southwest, visit www.southwest.com.