#Knoxville #United States #Tennessee #Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Expands its Tennessee Service

Southwest Airlines Co. is set to introduce exciting new air travel options for residents and visitors of Knoxville, Tennessee. Starting March 5, 2026, the airline will commence operations at McGhee Tyson Airport, offering five daily round-trips. This move not only expands Southwest's reach into the Volunteer State but also solidifies its commitment to providing quality service across the U.S.

New Routes and Timetable

As part of this expansion, travelers will benefit from various daily flights, including twice-daily service to Nashville and daily roundtrips connecting Knoxville to Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando. Bookings for these routes opened recently, allowing eager travelers to plan their trips for the upcoming Spring Break season.

Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines, expressed enthusiasm about this growth, highlighting the collaborative efforts with Governor Bill Lee, the State of Tennessee, and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.
"We’re excited to serve Knoxville with our outstanding Customer Service offerings. This is a remarkable milestone in our journey to enhance customer choices and affirm our commitment to the region," Jordan stated.

Strategic Importance of Tennessee

Tennessee has emerged as a significant hub for travel and business, making it an ideal location for Southwest Airlines to broaden its operations. Governor Bill Lee acknowledged the importance of this expansion for both travelers and the economy, emphasizing Tennessee's stature as a major global travel destination. Southwest Airlines' entry into Knoxville represents a key opportunity for boosting regional tourism and connectivity.

Howard Vogel, Chairman of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority's Board of Commissioners, categorized this launch as a historic milestone. He stated, "After years of dedicated pursuit, their arrival symbolizes not just new flights, but a much-needed gateway to national connectivity, enhancing opportunities for the local community and businesses."

Exciting Developments in California

In addition to the Knoxville debut, Southwest is also marking significant developments in California. The anticipated opening of the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport is set to open next month, amplifying service with routes to various destinations including Eugene, Oregon, and Maui, Hawaii. Daily flights will kick off from March 5, 2026, featuring strategically designed routes to maximize customer convenience.

As part of enhancing its Spring Break offerings, Southwest will also introduce Saturday services connecting San Diego to winter ski destinations like Bozeman, Montana, and Spokane, Washington. This complements already existing destinations, solidifying Southwest's dedication to year-round travel options.

Broader Network Expansion

Effective from March 5, 2026, the airline will implement various new and returning routes aimed at providing passengers with enhanced itinerary options. These include:

• - Twice-daily service between Chicago (Midway) and both Milwaukee and Des Moines, Iowa.
• - Route reinstatement capturing popular cities such as Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Wichita, Kansas.

This comprehensive expansion strategy illustrates how Southwest is keen on connecting not just travelers in Tennessee but also building a robust network across various key U.S. cities.

Join Southwest's Loyalty Program

Customers seeking even more rewards from Southwest are encouraged to join the Rapid Rewards program. Members earn points by flying or spending with partners, with new credit card options from Chase offering significant bonus points upon account opening – making every trip more rewarding.

In summary, the addition of services in Knoxville and the expansion in California mark a transformative phase for Southwest Airlines. This new journey not only enriches travel experiences for local residents but also expands opportunities for tourism and business across Tennessee and beyond.