Southwest Airlines Set to Connect U.S. Travelers to the Vibrant Island of St. Maarten with New Direct Flights Starting April 2026

Published on August 26, 2025

Southwest Airlines has added St. Maarten as a new destination. The island is a flagship Caribbean destination known for its beaches. Southwest will begin it’s daily nonstop flights from Orlando to SXM on April 7, 2026. This is Southwest’s first international service since 2021. The addition of St. Maarten signifies the airline’s continued efforts to expand its range of international flights while keeping low-cost travel at the heart of the new routes.

Southwest’s new flight routes to the Caribbean will not only help capture the eye of U. S. passengers, but provide them with a cost-efficient travel solution to the Caribbean. St. Maarten is renowned for its Dutch beaches which have earned the Caribbean island the title of “captivating gem”. Primarily a French island, St. Maarten is known for its rich culture which is a one of a kind blend of Dutch and French influences. Tourists can find themselves wandering the while sipping French lass which serves the island’s rich cuisines.

Enhancing Flight Services To St Maarten
Southwest has decided against remaining inflexible and is adding to the existing single daily flight. Starting April 9, 2026 the flights will also include St. Maarten on the weekends. Just like the daily flight, the airline will also operate weekend-only flights from Baltimore/Washington to St. Maarten. These weekend flights on Saturdays and Sundays will particularly be useful for the people wanting to travel to the Caribbean.

With the additional routes, Southwest is looking to integrate one of the 45 U.S. airports with St. Maarten, enhancing the islands connectivity. It does not matter whether travelers are on the East Coast, Midwest, or West Coast, the airline will ensure to provide access to the new international service.

Why Visit St Maarten?
St Maarten is one of the top gems of the Caribbean and has been an attraction from people looking for natural beauty, culture and exciting adventures. It is divided into two differently governed regions , Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint Martin. This mix is appealing for travelers, as one gets exposed to French cuisine and the French lifestyle while roaming through Dutch architecture.

The beaches of St. Maarten are renowned throughout the Caribbean. Maho Beach, for example, captivates tourists who are thrilled by the unique experience of watching planes descend right over their heads. Furthermore, the island has many trails and parks as well as marine reserves, which snorkeling and hiking in the region’s crystal clear waters and climbing its picturesque cliffs will delight those who seek adventure and exploration.

Southwest Airlines’ Expanding Global Footprint

The new St. Maarten route is a part of the increasing international footprint that Southwest is working on. The airline is not only bolstering its Caribbean presence, but also has a new partnership with Taiwan’s EVA Air which will facilitate new opportunities for transcontinental travel for passengers flying between North America and Asia. The partnership will include combined itineraries with transfer points in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

New announced services include a seasonal route Chicago O’Hare will service on Saturdays only to Panama City, Florida, beginning on the 9th of April, 2026. Another seasonal route will operate on weekends in the spring of 2026 and connect Denver to Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Future of Southwest Airlines: New International Routes Expected

The new services offered by Southwest, which includes a new route to St. Maarten, showcases the airline’s readiness to adapt to the growth of international travel. Through these efforts, Southwest enhances its competitiveness in the international airline industry. With the steady growth of the airline, more exciting announcements are in the pipeline.

For St. Maarten and other international destinations, as well as popular domestic hubs, Southwest Airlines maintains its industry-leading, inexpensive, convenient, and reliable travel services. There are no longer excuses to not travel for both international and domestic hubs as Southwest eases and expedites the travel process for all.

The new nonstop flights to St. Maarten illustrate the steps Southwest Airlines is taking towards expanding its international reach. With more routes in line for 2026, along with additional seasonal services, outings, and exciting new partnerships, Southwest continues to be a go-to airline for budget travelers. St. Maarten is just the start, and in the coming years, the travel and tourism industry anticipates additional routes for Southwest Airlines.