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Southwest Airlines is sending passengers on more sunny escapes, adding 11 new international routes to popular vacation hotspots for Americans craving beaches and warm weather overseas.
Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium reveals the 11 fresh routes will roll out between November 2026 and June 2027.
The expansion kicks off Nov. 1 with a brand-new nonstop service connecting Las Vegas (LAS) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR). The new route expands Southwest’s footprint in Sin City, where it already controls more than 41.5% of all flight operations in the airport.
In early 2026, routes to Puerto Vallarta were also added from regional hubs, such as Alaska Airlines launching non-stop service from St. Louis to PVR in January.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) gets a massive international boost in 2027, with Southwest launching nonstops to Liberia and in February and Aruba (AUA) in March. By June, Music City travelers can also fly direct to Nassau (NAS) and Providenciales (PLS).
The Dallas-based carrier is betting big on Nashville as tourism and business travel skyrocket. Southwest will be the only airline offering direct flights on all four routes.
Austin is getting a major upgrade too, with four new international links launching in 2027. Service to San José, Costa Rica takes off in March, followed by June launches to Liberia, Punta Cana and Nassau.
Demand for travel to Liberia has surged by 11.8% in recent months, as North American vacationers swap the central capital for the pristine beaches and luxury resorts of Guanacaste.
Southwest already dominates Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), operating over 40% of all flights. To cement itself, the carrier opened a new crew base for pilots and flight attendants at AUS in March, which is part of the airport’s broader $4 billion expansion plan taking place.
Punta Cana (PUJ) will also see two more direct flights from Columbus (CMH) and Pittsburgh (PIT). They will go head to head with Breeze Airways, a Utah-based low-cost carrier offering direct flights from the same airports.
Southwest is the world’s largest low-cost carrier by fleet size and passenger volume. While technically a budget airline, they are working to shift gears toward a “hybrid” model – blending budget travel with perks and comfort. Southwest flies several variants of the Boeing 737 family, Boeing 737 MAX 8 being the newest, with improved fuel efficiency and updated cabin designs.
In efforts to attract big-spending premium travelers, Southwest recently announced plans to unveil its first-ever airport lounges and upgrade onboard seating.
Four plush lounges are currently under construction in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville. Developed in partnership with JPMorgan, the upscale spaces are set to open in late 2027.
CEO Bob Jordan has previously acknowledged that the carrier loses customers to rivals because it does not serve destinations such as London or offer premium amenities, including airport lounges, but is working to expand.