• New International Destination: Southwest Airlines will launch service to St. Maarten (SXM) in April 2026, its first new international destination since 2021.
• Major Growth Milestone: The network expansion marks a new phase of growth for the airline following a period of financial stabilization and strategic business model changes.
• New Routes and Hubs: The new St. Maarten flights will operate from Orlando (MCO) and Baltimore (BWI).
• Domestic Expansion: The airline is also adding new domestic service to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and several new routes from Knoxville, Tennessee.

Southwest Airlines is embarking on an exciting new chapter of growth, expanding its reach with the announcement of several new domestic and international destinations for 2026. In a significant and celebratory milestone, the airline is launching service to St. Maarten, its first new international destination since 2021. This move is a wonderful signal of the airline’s successful revitalization and its renewed focus on network expansion.

Travelers can soon enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant culture of St. Maarten with daily flights from Orlando and bi-weekly service from Baltimore, both beginning in April 2026. This fantastic addition strengthens Southwest’s already impressive Caribbean network, making another tropical paradise more accessible for vacationers. The expansion also includes wonderful new domestic options, with the airline adding service to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and introducing several new routes from Knoxville, Tennessee, connecting the city to major hubs like Dallas and Orlando.

This new phase of growth comes after a period of thoughtful adjustments to the airline’s business model. Now, with a solid foundation, Southwest is confidently looking ahead. By adding these sought-after destinations, the airline is continuing to build on its reputation for friendly, affordable service while opening up a world of new travel possibilities for its customers.