News Summary
Southwest Airlines is set to significantly expand its services at San Diego International Airport as it prepares for the opening of the new Terminal 1 in 2026. The airline will resume flights to previously discontinued destinations, including Maui, and increase frequencies on existing routes. This expansion includes new daily nonstop flights to cities such as Seattle, Eugene, and Portland, along with seasonal routes to Bozeman and Spokane. Southwest’s growth responds to the competitive landscape, showcasing its commitment to enhancing service offerings as the aviation industry evolves.
San Diego – Southwest Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its services at San Diego International Airport (SAN) in anticipation of the opening of the new Terminal 1, scheduled for September 23, 2026. The expansion includes the resumption of flights to several previously discontinued destinations, such as Maui, and increased frequencies on existing nonstop routes, which will take effect on March 5, 2026.
Southwest Airlines remains the largest carrier at SAN, as measured by departures and passengers. With the new terminal’s completion marking Phase 1 of San Diego Airport’s expansion project, the facility will provide 940,000 square feet of space, significantly larger than the current terminal, which covers 274,164 square feet. Although initially planned for 19 gates, only 14 of these have been utilized due to ongoing construction.
The airline is enhancing its service with the addition of seven new daily nonstop flights to destinations like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Eugene Airport (EUG), and Portland International Airport (PDX). Additionally, flights to Kahului Airport (OGG) in Hawaii and Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, will be part of this expansion.
In a move to leverage the ongoing developments in air travel options at SAN, Southwest Airlines is directly responding to the recent expansion efforts by Alaska Airlines, which increased its seat capacity at the airport by 9% year-over-year. In comparison, Southwest has seen a 2% increase. To further enhance seasonal service, Southwest will initiate two Saturday-only routes starting March 7, 2026, to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana and Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Washington.
The ongoing projects at San Diego International Airport include a Phase 2 plan, which is anticipated to add 11 more gates and is expected to be completed by early 2028. The new Terminal 1 aims to provide a heightened travel experience, which was underscored by the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Watterson. He emphasized the commitment to improved customer service through the new facilities.
Southwest Airlines has also announced new connector flights from key bases to improve overall connectivity within its network, including routes from Nashville to Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, and from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE). Although these specific routes have seen low current demand, they represent further plans to integrate and streamline travel across Southwest’s destinations.
The expansion includes the introduction of 14 new routes overall and marks the airline’s first addition of a new destination since 2021 with service to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Furthermore, Southwest will launch five daily flights to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) near Knoxville, Tennessee, starting March 5, 2026. This development will connect TYS to major airports, including Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Nashville International Airport (BNA), Dallas Love Field (DAL), and Orlando International Airport (MCO). With this addition, Knoxville becomes the airline’s third destination in Tennessee, joining Nashville and Memphis International Airport (MEM).
This expansion by Southwest Airlines not only highlights its response to the competitive landscape at SAN but also reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to improving and expanding its service offerings in the ever-evolving travel market, setting a robust framework for future growth as the aviation industry continues to recover.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Wikipedia: Southwest Airlines
- Aviation A2Z
- Google Search: Southwest Airlines news
- Airline Geeks
- Google Scholar: Southwest Airlines
- Aviacionline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southwest Airlines
- PR Newswire
- Google News: Southwest Airlines Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
