Southwest announced Thursday that it will expand to a new state in 2026. The airline said tickets for its upcoming service will be available when schedules are extended later this month.
The carrier confirmed that Anchorage, Alaska, will join its network in the first half of 2026, making the state the 43rd served by Southwest. With the addition, the Dallas-based airline’s domestic network will include 122 airports.
Seasonal service to Anchorage will operate from Southwest’s Las Vegas and Denver bases. Flights are slated to begin in May.
“We’re adding destinations that once seemed inconceivable for Southwest in order to build a route network that creates new experiences and more possibilities than ever before,” said chief operating officer Andrew Watterson in a news release.
State officials also welcomed the move, calling it a boost for both affordability and regional connectivity.
“Air travel is a lifeline in Alaska, and Southwest’s arrival in Anchorage is a major win for our communities,” added Ryan Anderson, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, in the release. “This service will provide more affordable, reliable connections for Alaskans and help share our great state with more visitors than ever before.”
The airline did not disclose routes or a start date for its new Anchorage service.
Anchorage becomes the fifth new destination Southwest has unveiled this year, following announcements of service to St. Thomas, Knoxville, Tennessee, Sint Maarten, and Santa Rosa, California.
