Southwest Airlines, recognized as the largest low-cost airline globally in terms of fleet size and passenger numbers, has unveiled 11 new international routes this year, all targeting sun-drenched locations favored by American travelers. Although classified as a budget airline, many now view it as a hybrid carrier that serves a diverse range of travelers.
According to data from Cirium, an online aviation analytics firm, these 11 routes will be launched between November 2026 and June of this year.
Four New Routes Departing From Nashville
As Southwest continues to significantly enhance its network from the heart of country music, Nashville International Airport (BNA) will welcome four new international routes in 2027. The airline has confirmed plans to initiate nonstop service from Nashville to Liberia (LIR) in February, followed by Aruba (AUA) in March, and Nassau (NAS) and Providenciales (PLS) in June.
These routes will be operated using the airline’s fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, of which the Dallas-based carrier possesses over 800, making it the largest operator of this aircraft type worldwide.
Southwest’s ongoing growth in Nashville aligns with the airline’s strategy to capitalize on the increasing demand from tourists and business travelers in the Tennessee city. Below are the complete details of the new international routes from Nashville:
Austin Welcomes Four New International Southwest Routes
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is poised to receive four new international routes as the airline expands its network at this Texas airport. Starting in March, the airline will introduce four routes to San José (SJO) in Costa Rica, while three additional services will commence in June to Liberia, Punta Cana (PUJ), and Nassau.
Southwest already holds a significant market share at Austin, being the largest airline at the airport and operating over 40% of all flights. In March, the airline established a new pilot and flight attendant crew base at the airport, solidifying its presence there. Below are the full details of the new routes from Austin:
This expansion by Southwest is closely aligned with the airport’s extensive $4 billion expansion initiative. These new routes will complement the existing 53 domestic and international routes available at Austin.
International Routes From Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, and Columbus
The last three new international routes being incorporated into the Southwest network are set to commence as early as November. Starting November 1, Southwest will introduce nonstop service from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR), followed by new flights from both Columbus (CMH) and Pittsburgh (PIT) to Punta Cana. Details are provided below:
On two of these routes, Southwest will compete directly with Breeze Airways, as the Utah-based low-cost carrier seeks to penetrate underserved markets. For Las Vegas, the addition of Puerto Vallarta enhances Southwest’s expanding network from the city, where the airline commands over 41.5% of all flight operations at the airport.
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