Expanded Service At Chicago And Houston Airports For Southwest Airlines

SWA Adds Flights At O’Hare & Returns To George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Southwest Airlines announced its intention to expand service at O’Hare International in Chicago and return to George Busch Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

“Southwest owes decades of success to our Employees and Customers who have supported our business in Chicago and Houston,” said Gary Kelly, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Southwest Airlines. “Today’s announcement furthers our commitment to both cities as we add service to share Southwest’s value and Hospitality with more leisure and business travelers.”

Service to both airports is anticipated to begin in the first half of 2021. Additional details, including schedules and fares, will be available soon.

Below is SWA’s statement on each airport.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Work is underway to add new service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), alongside existing service from the carrier’s longtime Chicago home, Midway International Airport (MDW). Midway remains one of the busiest airports in Southwest’s network. Since first arriving in Chicago in 1985, Southwest has grown into one of the city’s largest employers with more than 4,800 Chicago-based Employees.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

As Southwest approaches a commemoration of 50 years of flying, the carrier intends to return to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), complementing its substantial operation at Houston Hobby (HOU). Intercontinental served as one of three airports where Southwest operated on its first day in operation, June 18, 1971. The carrier moved to Hobby Airport shortly thereafter though it operated service from both airports between 1980 and 2005. Southwest remains a key employer in the City of Houston, providing nearly 4,000 jobs.