Southwest Airlines Announces Service to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Beginning in 2026
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Southwest Airlines is officially adding another pin to its route map. The Dallas-based low-cost carrier has announced plans to launch service to St. Thomas (STT) in the U.S. Virgin Islands in early 2026, marking the first new destination added to the airline’s network since 2021.
St. Thomas Will Be Southwest’s Ninth Caribbean Island Destination
The new service will operate to Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) and represents a significant expansion of Southwest’s presence in the Atlantic Basin. Once launched, St. Thomas will become Southwest’s ninth island destination in the region, joining:
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Aruba
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The Bahamas
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Cayman Islands
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Cuba
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Dominican Republic
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Jamaica
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Puerto Rico
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Turks and Caicos
In addition to its Caribbean destinations, Southwest also currently offers international service to Belize, two destinations in Costa Rica, and three destinations in Mexico.
Specific routes, frequencies, and launch dates have yet to be published, but tickets are expected to go on sale soon, pending government approvals.
A Strategic Move Amid Southwest’s Broader Transformation
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan framed the expansion as part of the airline’s wider evolution:
“We are listening closely to what our Customers want—from new products and loyalty benefits to new destinations. We want to make Southwest Airlines the easy and obvious choice every time, and this is another meaningful step in our ongoing transformation.”
St. Thomas is just the beginning. Southwest stated it expects to announce two more new destinations for 2026 before the end of the summer.
The expansion also coincides with a broader product overhaul. The airline plans to introduce assigned seating, premium seats with extra legroom, and new fare bundles starting in early 2026.
Strong Enthusiasm from Local Officials
Leaders in the U.S. Virgin Islands welcomed the announcement, citing improved connectivity and economic impact.
“This expands our accessibility and connectivity to travelers,” said Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “It allows for seamless and expanded travel opportunities to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that define the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. added: “We are proud to welcome this new partnership with Southwest Airlines and look forward to greeting new travelers to our beautiful island home.”
Bottom Line
Southwest Airlines is expanding once again, with service to St. Thomas scheduled to launch in early 2026. This marks the first of three new destinations the airline is expected to announce this year, and comes as part of a broader strategy that includes fleet upgrades, product enhancements, and network growth. Expect tickets to go on sale in the coming months.
