Southwest Airlines to commence flights to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, starting at the beginning of 2026.
Southwest Airlines has announced its plans to expand its Atlantic Basin services with the addition of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, as its ninth island destination. The new service is set to commence in early February 2026, marking a significant expansion for the airline.
The first flight from Orlando International Airport (MCO) is scheduled for February 5, 2026, with flights from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) set to begin two days later on February 7, 2026. These flights will operate daily year-round between Orlando and St. Thomas, and Baltimore flights will also run daily, with peak-day service indicated.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands is proud to welcome this new partnership with Southwest Airlines and looks forward to greeting new travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is equally excited about the new airlift into St. Thomas with Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Airlines plans to operate its reconfigured fleet for the new services, including premium seating options and extra legroom seating. The reconfigured fleet is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2026, subject to governmental approvals. Southwest Airlines Co. will also introduce its new fare bundles alongside its reconfigured fleet, starting from the first quarter of 2026.
Tickets for these routes are already available for purchase, and Southwest Airlines plans to begin selling assigned and premium seating in the third quarter of this year. This is the first of three new destinations for 2026 that Southwest Airlines expects to announce this summer.
Currently, Southwest Airlines offers international service to Belize, two destinations in Costa Rica, and three destinations in Mexico. With the addition of St. Thomas, the airline is expanding its Caribbean destination network.
The service will be available at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, and Southwest Airlines is optimistic that this new service will expand accessibility and connectivity for travelers, allowing for seamless and expanded travel opportunities to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
[1] Southwest Airlines Press Release: Southwest Airlines to Launch Service to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.swamedia.com/news/southwest-airlines-to-launch-service-to-st-thomas-u-s-virgin-islands
[2] Southwest Airlines Press Release: Southwest Airlines Announces Significant Expansion in 2026. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.swamedia.com/news/southwest-airlines-announces-significant-expansion-in-2026
[3] Southwest Airlines Press Release: Southwest Airlines Opens Booking for New Services to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.swamedia.com/news/southwest-airlines-opens-booking-for-new-services-to-st-thomas-u-s-virgin-islands
[4] Southwest Airlines Press Release: Southwest Airlines Reveals Details of New Services to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.swamedia.com/news/southwest-airlines-reveals-details-of-new-services-to-st-thomas-u-s-virgin-islands
[5] Southwest Airlines Press Release: Southwest Airlines Provides Schedule for New Services to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.swamedia.com/news/southwest-airlines-provides-schedule-for-new-services-to-st-thomas-u-s-virgin-islands
- The new partnership between Southwest Airlines and the U.S. Virgin Islands government aims to improve finance by boosting the tourism industry, highlighting a fusion of lifestyle and technology that attracts travelers.
- With the introduction of Southwest Airlines' reconfigured fleet featuring premium seating and extra legroom, travelers can expect improved comfort and enhanced lifestyle choices in their journeys to the islands, including St. Thomas, as part of the airline's expansion in technology and destination network.
