Southwest Airlines Expands 2026 Travel Network to St. Maarten, Orlando, Baltimore, Knoxville, Denver, Chicago, Panama City with New EVA Air Partnership

Published on August 26, 2025

Southwest Airlines is expanding its travel network in 2026, promising more travel options, better connections, and easier international travel. The airline is acquiring St. Maarten as part of its Caribbean portfolio, expanding domestic routes to Orlando, Baltimore, Knoxville, Denver, Chicago, and Panama City, along with a strategic partnership with EVA Air. This provides convenient nonstop flights and wider connections throughout North America and easy access to Asia. The additions will help both leisure and business travelers wanting flexible, time-saving itineraries and access to new travel experiences in popular U.S. cities and tropical destinations.

Southwest Airlines is broadening its travel footprint with an expanded flight schedule through June 3, 2026, adding fresh destinations both internationally and domestically. With the introduction of a new Caribbean route, a strategic international partnership, and several seasonal U.S. connections, travelers now have more opportunities to explore with convenience and flexibility.

St. Maarten Joins Southwest’s Caribbean Portfolio

Beginning April 7, 2026, Southwest Airlines will launch flights to St. Maarten, its first new international destination in five years. The Caribbean island offers a distinctive blend of cultures, with the Dutch side of Sint Maarten and the French region of Saint-Martin sharing the same vibrant landscape. Travelers can enjoy daily nonstop service between Orlando (MCO) and Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), providing convenient access to this sun-soaked tropical getaway. Two days later, service will expand to include peak-schedule flights on Saturdays and Sundays connecting St. Maarten with Baltimore/Washington (BWI).

These direct flights link passengers to over 45 airports across the United States, offering flexible choices for both vacationers and business travelers. Southwest encourages passengers to visit Southwest.com for fares and schedules, with service subject to requisite approvals.

Strategic Partnership with EVA Air Enhances Transpacific Travel

Southwest Airlines has also launched a new international partnership with EVA Air, a subsidiary of the Evergreen Group. The partnership aims to link travelers from North America to Asia via key gateway hubs in Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).

The partnership enables travelers to book interline itineraries, pairing Southwest-operated flights within North America with EVA Air’s transpacific services. Tickets are now available through EVA Air channels and authorized third-party booking platforms, offering greater choice and streamlined travel for long-haul journeys. EVA Air becomes the third airline partner announced by Southwest, reinforcing its commitment to expanding international connections.

New Domestic Routes Deliver Convenience Across U.S. Cities

Southwest Airlines is also enhancing domestic travel options with new seasonal routes aimed at time-saving connectivity. Starting April 9, 2026, Southwest Airlines will introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Knoxville, Tennessee, and Denver, with service available on Saturdays and Sundays, expanding travel options for weekend travelers. This addition provides travelers with convenient weekend access to Colorado’s scenic landscapes and outdoor attractions.

In the southeastern U.S., a seasonal route linking Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Panama City, Florida, will begin service on Saturdays from April 9, 2026. This connection caters to travelers seeking quick access from the Midwest to Gulf Coast destinations, ideal for weekend getaways or extended beach vacations.

A Growing Network for Modern Travelers

With these additions, Southwest Airlines continues to demonstrate its commitment to connecting passengers with both well-loved and emerging destinations. The combination of international expansion, airline partnerships, and new domestic routes reflects a strategic focus on enhancing travel flexibility, convenience, and choice.

With Southwest expanding their services until mid-2026, travelers are sure to have easy connections, an ever-growing list of destinations, and attractive Southwest fares. Southwest Airlines offers seamless travel options to the Caribbean, various regions of the United States, and even to transpacific destinations. The travel options provided are designed to satisfy the ever-changing needs of travelers.