Southwest Airlines has officially announced its expansion into Alaska, with new service scheduled to begin at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in May 2026. The airline will introduce daily nonstop flights connecting Anchorage with Denver and Las Vegas, marking a significant addition to its route network and bringing a major low-cost carrier to the state.
Key Takeaways
- New Service Launch: Southwest Airlines will begin flights to Anchorage, Alaska, in May 2026.
- Initial Routes: The airline will offer one daily flight to Denver and one daily flight to Las Vegas.
- Network Expansion: Alaska will become the 43rd state served by Southwest, expanding its network to 122 airports.
- Economic Impact: Local officials anticipate the new service will boost tourism and provide more travel options for Alaskans.
Southwest Confirms Alaska Expansion
During a press conference on Thursday, Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson confirmed the long-anticipated move into the Alaskan market. The initial service will provide travelers with two new daily flight options from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
The routes will connect Anchorage with two of Southwest's major hubs: Denver International Airport (DEN) and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS). According to Watterson, tickets for these new flights will become available for purchase starting next week as the airline extends its published flight schedule.
A Strategic Move for the Airline
The decision to enter the Alaskan market is part of Southwest's broader strategy to connect its customers with desirable leisure destinations. Anchorage represents the fifth new city added to the airline's map in 2025, demonstrating a continued focus on network growth.
Connecting New and Existing Customers
Andrew Watterson explained the rationale behind choosing Anchorage, highlighting its appeal to both the airline's loyal customer base and potential new travelers. The goal is to provide access to aspirational destinations that align with customer demand.
“We wanted to identify destinations that our current customers would want to aspire to visit and potential new customers would think, ‘hey, I never considered I could use Southwest Airlines to get where I want to go.’ Anchorage without a doubt checks the box for both of those.”
By adding Alaska, Southwest not only offers a new vacation spot for travelers from the lower 48 states but also introduces its service to a new population of potential customers within Alaska. This move diversifies its offerings and strengthens its position as a major domestic carrier.
Southwest by the Numbers
- New State: Alaska is the 43rd state in Southwest's domestic network.
- Airport Count: Anchorage brings the total number of airports served to 122.
- New Destinations in 2025: Anchorage is the fifth new city announced by the airline this year.
Local Officials Welcome Economic Boost
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from state and local leaders, who view the new service as a significant economic driver for Anchorage and the state as a whole. They emphasized the positive impact on tourism and increased competition in the market.
In a press release from the Alaska Department of Transportation, Governor Mike Dunleavy praised the development. “Today’s announcement that Southwest Airlines will be charting new skies over Alaska next summer is welcome news for our transportation network and many Alaskans,” he stated. The Governor added that the new service reinforces the role of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport as one of the state's most vital economic engines.
Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance echoed these sentiments at the press conference, calling it an “exciting day for Anchorage.”
“When service begins next year, Southwest will bring more visitors, more opportunities and more choices for Alaskans who travel. Tourism is one of the most important drivers of our local economy.”
Questions Remain on Flight Seasonality
While the new service is confirmed, one detail remains unclear: whether the flights will operate year-round or on a seasonal basis. A press release from the Alaska Department of Transportation indicated that the service would be seasonal.
However, when asked about this directly, Southwest COO Andrew Watterson stated that he did not know at this time if the flights would be seasonal. This suggests that the airline may be evaluating demand and operational factors before making a final decision on a year-round schedule.
Travelers and industry observers will be watching closely when Southwest releases its official schedule next week for further clarification on the operational timeline for its new Alaskan routes.
