Southwest Airlines is significantly expanding its international footprint by adding 11 new nonstop routes to popular sun destinations. The Dallas-based carrier, which operates the largest fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft in the world, announced the new services will launch between November 2026 and June 2027. This expansion targets high-demand tourist markets for American travelers, including locations in the Caribbean and Central America.
Nashville Airport Gains Four New International Destinations
Nashville International Airport (BNA) will see a major boost to its international connectivity. Southwest Airlines confirmed it will launch four new nonstop services from the Tennessee hub in 2027. The first route to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), begins in February. This is followed by a service to Aruba (AUA) in March. Two additional routes to Nassau (NAS) and Providenciales (PLS) in the Turks and Caicos Islands will start in June.
The airline is increasing its presence in Nashville to capture growing demand from both tourists and business travelers. These new routes will be operated using the carrier’s Boeing 737 family aircraft. Southwest already maintains a strong operational base in the city, and this expansion reinforces its position as a key carrier in the region.
Austin Airport Expands Network to Costa Rica and Caribbean
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is also set to receive four new international routes. Southwest Airlines, which already handles more than 40% of all flights at the Texas airport, will begin service to San José, Costa Rica (SJO) in March. The airline established a permanent pilot and flight attendant crew base at Austin in March to support its growing operations.
Three additional routes will launch in June, connecting Austin to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic (PUJ), and Nassau (NAS). These additions complement the airport’s broader $4 billion expansion plan. Austin currently offers 53 domestic and international routes, and these new services will further integrate the city into Southwest’s global network.
Las Vegas, Columbus, and Pittsburgh Join New International List
The final three new international routes will begin as early as November 2026. Southwest Airlines will launch a nonstop service from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR) on November 1. The airline holds a dominant market share at Las Vegas, accounting for more than 41.5% of all flight operations at the airport.
Two other new routes will connect Columbus (CMH) and Pittsburgh (PIT) to Punta Cana (PUJ). These services place Southwest in direct competition with Breeze Airways, another low-cost carrier that has been targeting underserved markets in these cities. The expansion demonstrates Southwest’s strategy to compete aggressively in both established and emerging leisure travel corridors.
Source: Simple Flying
