Southwest Airlines Expands Service to St. Thomas in Early 2026
In a significant move poised to enhance travel and tourism in the Caribbean, Southwest Airlines Co. has announced that it will introduce new service at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, starting in early 2026. This marks a pivotal expansion for the airline as it seeks to broaden its network for the first time since 2021.
This new destination adds to the array of tropical locations that Southwest already serves. With St. Thomas, Southwest will now connect travelers to nine islands in the Atlantic Basin, including popular destinations such as Aruba, The Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Southwest Airlines aims to cater to the increasing demand for Caribbean travel, allowing its customers to experience the stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that the U.S. Virgin Islands are renowned for.
Bob Jordan, President, CEO, and Vice Chairman of Southwest Airlines, expressed that the airline is dedicated to listening to its customers’ desires for new services and destinations. He emphasized the airline’s ongoing evolution to make it the top choice for travelers.
The tourism authorities in the U.S. Virgin Islands have welcomed this expansion wholeheartedly. Commissioner Joseph Boschulte stated that this new air service enhances accessibility for travelers, offering seamless and exciting opportunities to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of the islands. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. also highlighted the importance of this partnership in strengthening the territory’s tourism industry, stating that the introduction of new flight services marks a significant milestone for the region.
Furthermore, to complement its network expansion, Southwest Airlines plans to introduce assigned seating and premium seating options starting in the third quarter of 2025. Along with these new services, the airline will roll out reconfigured fare bundles and fleets in early 2026, including seating that provides extra legroom, aligning with the evolving demands of its customer base.
Post-covid, the airline has seen a resurgence in travel interest, especially towards leisure destinations. The U.S. Virgin Islands, known for their beautiful beaches and pleasant climate, are poised to attract numerous visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. The fact that U.S. citizens can travel to St. Thomas without a passport makes it an even more convenient location for many.
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer a myriad of attractions. From their picturesque beaches to a thriving marine industry and a unique culinary scene, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s the rich historical architecture or the diverse landscape, the islands provide an ideal escape for travelers looking for both leisure and cultural experiences.
As Southwest Airlines gears up to make St. Thomas a part of its extensive service network, it underscores the ongoing revitalization of the airline industry, emphasizing its commitment to fostering connectivity and fostering memorable travel experiences for its customers. As preparations advance, eager travelers can look forward to new options to explore the captivating allure of St. Thomas and beyond in just a couple of years.
For further updates on flight scheduling and purchases, travelers are encouraged to stay tuned to Southwest Airlines' official announcements as 2026 approaches. The partnership between Southwest Airlines and the U.S. Virgin Islands marks a new chapter in Caribbean tourism, promising to deliver an enriching and enjoyable travel experience for countless visitors in the near future.
This new destination adds to the array of tropical locations that Southwest already serves. With St. Thomas, Southwest will now connect travelers to nine islands in the Atlantic Basin, including popular destinations such as Aruba, The Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Southwest Airlines aims to cater to the increasing demand for Caribbean travel, allowing its customers to experience the stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that the U.S. Virgin Islands are renowned for.
Bob Jordan, President, CEO, and Vice Chairman of Southwest Airlines, expressed that the airline is dedicated to listening to its customers’ desires for new services and destinations. He emphasized the airline’s ongoing evolution to make it the top choice for travelers.
The tourism authorities in the U.S. Virgin Islands have welcomed this expansion wholeheartedly. Commissioner Joseph Boschulte stated that this new air service enhances accessibility for travelers, offering seamless and exciting opportunities to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of the islands. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. also highlighted the importance of this partnership in strengthening the territory’s tourism industry, stating that the introduction of new flight services marks a significant milestone for the region.
Furthermore, to complement its network expansion, Southwest Airlines plans to introduce assigned seating and premium seating options starting in the third quarter of 2025. Along with these new services, the airline will roll out reconfigured fare bundles and fleets in early 2026, including seating that provides extra legroom, aligning with the evolving demands of its customer base.
Post-covid, the airline has seen a resurgence in travel interest, especially towards leisure destinations. The U.S. Virgin Islands, known for their beautiful beaches and pleasant climate, are poised to attract numerous visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. The fact that U.S. citizens can travel to St. Thomas without a passport makes it an even more convenient location for many.
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer a myriad of attractions. From their picturesque beaches to a thriving marine industry and a unique culinary scene, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s the rich historical architecture or the diverse landscape, the islands provide an ideal escape for travelers looking for both leisure and cultural experiences.
As Southwest Airlines gears up to make St. Thomas a part of its extensive service network, it underscores the ongoing revitalization of the airline industry, emphasizing its commitment to fostering connectivity and fostering memorable travel experiences for its customers. As preparations advance, eager travelers can look forward to new options to explore the captivating allure of St. Thomas and beyond in just a couple of years.
For further updates on flight scheduling and purchases, travelers are encouraged to stay tuned to Southwest Airlines' official announcements as 2026 approaches. The partnership between Southwest Airlines and the U.S. Virgin Islands marks a new chapter in Caribbean tourism, promising to deliver an enriching and enjoyable travel experience for countless visitors in the near future.
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