Southwest Adding Flights to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Southwest Airlines has revealed its plan to grow its network in 2026 initially with new service at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, adding the U.S. Virgin Islands to the carrier’s tropical destinations in the Caribbean. Service is expected to begin in early 2026 and will be available for purchase soon.
St. Thomas is the first of three new destinations for 2026 the carrier expects to announce this summer. It will be the ninth island destination served by Southwest in the Atlantic Basin – joining Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
Southwest also offers international service to Belize, two destinations in Costa Rica, and three destinations in Mexico.
“We are excited at the announcement of new airlift into St. Thomas with Southwest Airlines,” shares Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “As a destination, this expands our accessibility and connectivity to travelers, allowing for seamless and expanded travel opportunities to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that define the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
“Today marks an exciting milestone for the U.S. Virgin Islands and our growing tourism industry,” adds Governor Albert Bryan Jr. “We are proud to welcome this new partnership with Southwest Airlines and look forward to greeting new travelers to our beautiful island home.”
Southwest has been getting tons of bad press recently as it changed its business model by charging for checked backs and selling assigned and premium seating in the third quarter of this year. A recent survey also hints at possible new loyalty program tiers and gutted Companions Pass.
