Birmingham, Alabama, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Southwest Airlines is set to introduce three new non-stop flight routes from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in April. The new destinations include Denver, Nashville, and Orlando. Along with the new routes, the airline will increase the frequency of existing flights and implement changes to its fare bundles and seating arrangements. Starting May, checked luggage fees will be introduced. Despite these enhancements, Southwest Airlines plans to lay off around 1,750 employees due to decreased travel demand.
Birmingham, Alabama – Southwest Airlines has announced it will introduce three new non-stop flights from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport starting in April 2026. These flights will connect Birmingham with Denver, Nashville, and Orlando, providing travelers with enhanced options for their journeys.
The new flight schedule will significantly increase the frequency of existing routes. Flights to Denver will increase from one daily flight to two daily flights. Similarly, Nashville flights will double from one to two daily flights. The service to Orlando will also experience an upgrade, with flights increasing from two daily flights to three daily flights during weekdays.
Kim Hunt, spokesperson for the Birmingham Airport Authority, stated that the additional choices benefit customers in scheduling trips and enhance connectivity to other destinations. This latest development follows earlier efforts by Southwest Airlines earlier this year, which included added flights targeting Alabama and Auburn football fans for away game destinations.
In addition to these new routes, Southwest Airlines is implementing changes to its fare bundles, introducing new fare types: Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, Choice, and Basic, effective in the third quarter of the year for flights beginning in 2026. The airline is also making changes to its seating arrangements; starting in 2026, Southwest will shift from its longstanding open seating policy to an assigned seating system. This will offer more options for customers and increased customization of their travel experience.
Another significant change coming on May 28 is the introduction of fees for checked luggage. Passengers will incur a fee of $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. However, Rapid Rewards A-list Preferred members and Business Select passengers will continue to enjoy two free checked bags, while A-list members and credit card holders will receive one free checked bag.
Despite these expansions, Southwest Airlines is facing challenges in the industry, including decreased demand for travel. To address these economic pressures, the airline announced a layoff of approximately 1,750 employees, which accounts for about 15% of its corporate workforce, effective at the end of April.
By August 5, 2024, Southwest Airlines will operate at 117 airports nationwide, including 11 in Florida. Reservations for flights with assigned seating are expected to become available in the second half of 2025, marking a significant shift for the airline’s operations.
FAQ
What new non-stop flights is Southwest Airlines introducing from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport?
Southwest Airlines is adding three new non-stop flights to three cities from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport starting April 2026.
When will the new flights begin?
The new flights will begin in April 2026, according to the Birmingham Airport Authority.
How will the frequency of existing flights change?
The flight to Denver will increase from one flight daily to two flights daily. Nashville flights will also double from one to two daily flights. Orlando flights will increase from two daily flights to three daily flights, with the additional flight on weekdays only.
Are tickets for the new flights currently available?
Yes, tickets for the new flights are already available.
What changes are being made to Southwest Airlines’ fare bundles?
The airline announced changes to its fare bundles, introducing new fare types: Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, Choice, and Basic, coming in the third quarter of the year for flights beginning in 2026.
When will Southwest Airlines start charging for checked bags?
Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags starting May 28, with a fee of $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.
How many employees is Southwest Airlines laying off?
The airline is laying off approximately 1,750 employees, or about 15% of its corporate positions, to create a more agile organization, effective at the end of April.
What is the expected total number of airports Southwest Airlines will operate at by August 2024?
By August 5, 2024, Southwest Airlines will operate at 117 airports, including 11 in Florida.
| Flight Route | Current Daily Flights | New Daily Flights | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 1 | 2 | April 2026 |
| Nashville | 1 | 2 | April 2026 |
| Orlando | 2 | 3 (weekdays only) | April 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alabama Secures $73 Million from GE Aerospace for Expansion
Former Pilot Sentenced for Dangerous Cockpit Incident
Spirit Airlines to Cease Operations in Birmingham
Emergency Ruling Halts Deportation of Guatemalan Minors
Birmingham High School Football Game Cancelled Due to Safety Concerns
ABC News Users Face Frustration with Inaccessible Pages
Birmingham Airport Expands Flights for College Football Season
Cancellation of High School Football Game Due to Police Coverage Issues
Birmingham Secures Airport Lease Extension for Aviation Growth
Birmingham Metro Area Weather Alert and School Rankings Released
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Southwest Airlines Adding Three New Flights
- Bham Now: New Nonstop Flights from Birmingham Airport
- Herald Tribune: Southwest Airlines Choice Fare Options
- WBRC: Southwest Airlines First Flight at Birmingham Airport
- Yellowhammer News: Game Day Travel Easier with Added Flights
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
