• New Caribbean Destination: Southwest Airlines will begin service to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, starting in early 2026.
• Part of a Larger Expansion: St. Thomas is the first of three new destinations the airline plans to announce for its 2026 network.
• Boost for Local Tourism: The new route is a welcome partnership for the U.S. Virgin Islands, expected to increase visitor arrivals.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: This new service will launch alongside other significant upgrades from Southwest, including assigned seating and new fare bundles.

Great news for travelers dreaming of a sunny Caribbean escape. Southwest Airlines has shared the exciting announcement that it will be adding St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to its growing route network. This fantastic development makes the beautiful island paradise more accessible than ever, with service expected to begin in early 2026. As the airline’s ninth destination in the Atlantic Basin, St. Thomas joins a wonderful lineup of tropical getaways offered by the carrier.

This new route is just the beginning of Southwest’s expansion plans, as St. Thomas is the first of three new destinations the airline plans to announce for 2026. Leaders in the U.S. Virgin Islands are celebrating the new partnership, with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. warmly welcoming the positive impact it will have on the region’s growing tourism industry.

Adding to the good news, travelers on this future route will also benefit from an enhanced inflight experience. By the time service to St. Thomas launches, Southwest plans to have other significant upgrades in place, including new fare bundles and the highly anticipated options for assigned and premium seating. This combination of a new, beautiful destination and an improved customer experience makes for a very bright outlook for 2026 travel.