Southwest Airlines has unveiled major updates to its 2026 schedule, including a new Caribbean destination, fresh domestic routes, and a new international partnership.
St. Maarten joins the Southwest map
Starting April 7, 2026, Southwest will launch daily nonstop service between Orlando (MCO) and St. Maarten (SXM), marking its first new international destination since 2021. Just two days later, on April 9, the schedule expands to include weekend flights between St. Maarten and Baltimore/Washington (BWI).
The flights, subject to government approval, will connect the island with more than 45 U.S. airports through roundtrip connections.
Known as the “One Island, Two Heartbeats,” St. Maarten blends Dutch and French Caribbean culture, making it one of the region’s most distinctive getaways.
Partnership with EVA Air
Southwest also announced a new interline partnership with EVA Air, offering customers easier connections between North America and Asia. Travelers can now book combined itineraries through EVA Air channels and third-party sites, linking Southwest’s U.S. network with EVA’s transpacific services from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
EVA becomes Southwest’s third international partner, expanding long-haul access beyond the Americas.
New U.S. routes for 2026
Alongside its international growth, Southwest is adding new domestic links:
Knoxville (TYS) – Denver (DEN): Seasonal Saturday and Sunday flights beginning April 9, 2026
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Panama City, Florida (ECP): Seasonal Saturday service beginning April 9, 2026
Looking ahead
With its schedule now extended through June 3, 2026, Southwest is offering travelers more options than ever, whether it’s a Caribbean escape, a transpacific connection, or a new U.S. weekend getaway.
