Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is again growing its route map with service at Knoxville, Tennessee’s McGhee Tyson Airport scheduled to begin March 5, 2026. The five daily round-trips to and from Knoxville, along with the airline’s schedule through April 6, 2026, are available for purchase today at Southwest.com®.
“Thanks to the partnership from Gov. Bill Lee, the State of Tennessee, and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, we’re looking forward to serving Knoxville with our unmatched Customer Service,” said Bob Jordan, CEO, President, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines. “We’re celebrating another exciting milestone in our journey to transform Southwest Airlines – giving Customers more reasons to choose Southwest. Plus, we’re affirming our longtime commitment to California with new routes from San Diego’s reimagined Terminal 1.”
Good Ol’ Rocky Top
Southwest Airlines® is scheduled to introduce twice-daily service between Knoxville and Nashville, as well as daily roundtrip flights between Knoxville and Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando, Florida.
“As a top global travel destination and business hub, Tennessee is the ideal location for Southwest Airlines to expand, and we welcome them to Knoxville,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. “We’re honored that Southwest, a leading American company serving millions of travelers each year, will be expanding its reach in the Volunteer State, and we’re grateful for their continued economic investment.”
Southwest, the Official Airline of the Southeastern Conference, is looking forward to taking sports fans to and from events in Knoxville and connecting Customers to the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains.
“The addition of Southwest Airlines to our airport is an historic milestone for our community,” said Howard Vogel, Chairman of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority’s Board of Commissioners. “After years of dedicated pursuit, their arrival at McGhee Tyson Airport represents far more than new flights—it’s another gateway to national connectivity and a powerful boost to our region’s tourism industry. Their addition underscores our commitment to expanding opportunities for the people and businesses we serve. Southwest, welcome to Big Orange Country!”
“This airline’s investment in East Tennessee is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our region,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon, City of Knoxville. “We’re grateful for their confidence in our market, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these new flights bring to travelers, businesses, and families alike.”
Knoxville joins St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, as the second new destination Southwest® has announced this summer. By the end of August, the airline intends to announce another destination where the ocean wears two shades of blue and every landing feels like an adventure. More adventures also await at one of Southwest’s homes on the Pacific Coast next year.
