Southwest to Add Five New Routes in 2027
Southwest Airlines will launch new nonstop routes from Nashville, Austin and Houston beginning in early 2027.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Air Travel
Southwest Airlines will add five new domestic nonstop routes starting January 2, 2027, expanding its service out of Nashville International Airport, Austin and Houston Hobby. Southwest already operates more than 56% of scheduled flights at Nashville International Airport between June 2025 and May 2026.
Why it matters
The expansion strengthens Southwest's position as the largest airline at Nashville International Airport and adds nonstop options for travelers across the United States. Southwest is responding to demand in Austin from tech companies and high-end business and leisure travelers.
Southwest will operate one daily Nashville to Des Moines flight and five weekly Nashville to Wichita flights starting January 6, 2027. Allegiant competes with Southwest on the Nashville to Des Moines route, and Delta operates seasonal Austin to Fort Myers flights from November.
The players
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a major U.S. low-cost carrier known for its point-to-point domestic network and its large presence at Nashville International Airport.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air is a low-cost leisure carrier that competes with Southwest on several domestic routes, including Nashville to Des Moines.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest U.S. carriers and operates seasonal Austin to Fort Myers flights.
The details
Southwest will add a Nashville to Des Moines route and a Nashville to Wichita route on January 6, 2027, an Austin to Fort Myers route on January 9, 2027, and a Houston Hobby to Amarillo route on January 15, 2027. It will also resume Austin to Palm Springs service on January 2, 2027 with five weekly flights.
Timeline
January 2, 2027: Southwest resumes Austin to Palm Springs service with five weekly flights.
January 6, 2027: Southwest begins Nashville to Des Moines and Nashville to Wichita routes.
January 9, 2027: Southwest begins Austin to Fort Myers service with two weekly flights.
January 15, 2027: Southwest begins Houston Hobby to Amarillo service with one daily flight.
March 2027: Southwest's seasonal Austin to Fort Myers service begins.
Market Landscape
Austin has become one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and Southwest's added Austin routes follow that growth by expanding service to leisure and business destinations. Competition from Delta and Allegiant on overlapping routes shapes how the carrier positions its new service against rivals.
Travelers in Nashville, Austin and Houston gain new nonstop options to Des Moines, Wichita, Fort Myers, Palm Springs and Amarillo beginning in January 2027. Booking early can help travelers secure fares on these newly launched routes before demand builds.
The takeaway
For travelers in Nashville, Austin and Houston, the new Southwest routes offer more nonstop choices in early 2027. Checking schedules as the launch dates approach can help travelers find the most convenient flights.
What happens next
Southwest's first new route launches on January 2, 2027, with the remaining additions beginning through January 15, 2027 and seasonal Austin to Fort Myers service starting in March 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Air Travel to see how airlines are reshaping domestic routes across the country.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Simple Flying.
