Southwest Airlines announced Thursday it is expanding its reach in the Southern United States.
Beginning March 5, 2026, Southwest will open service at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee. According to a press release, Southwest will introduce twice-daily flights between Knoxville and Nashville, as well as daily roundtrip flights between Knoxville and Baltimore, Dallas and Orlando.
“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.”
Customers can begin purchasing tickets to and from Nashville today at Southwest.com.
“Break out the orange gear because flights to Knoxville are here! ✈️ 🧡 Whether you’re looking to explore a new city, cheer on your favorite team, or jet off on a mountain adventure, we’ve got you covered. Book your trip to Knoxville today for travel through April 6, 2026. Stay tuned for more NEW destinations coming soon!” Southwest wrote on Instagram.
The latest round of Southwest expansion
Knoxville is the second new flight destination announced by Southwest this summer, along with the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The company intends to launch flights to a third destination, to be revealed later this month.
“We’re celebrating another exciting milestone in our journey to transform Southwest Airlines – giving Customers more reasons to choose Southwest,” said Southwest CEO and President Bob Jordan.
Early reviews seem to be good
Of course, we’re still months away from seeing how the new Knoxville flight route will work in real time, but consumers are excited.
“Finally the SEC airline starts flying to SEC cities! 👏🏻👏🏻,” one person said on Instagram.
“Only one reason I’ll need this as an Alabama fan 🙏🙏,” a second person wrote.
“Go Vols!” added a third.
“Thank goodness, I flew on a different airline and it was a terrible experience,” a fourth person chimed in.
“Baton Rouge PLEASE,” someone else said.
