Southwest Airlines Reveals Major 2027 Route Expansion: Here’s Where It Will Fly

Southwest Airlines is expanding its international flight network with several new nonstop routes to popular Caribbean and Central American destinations. It is also exploring an even bigger move into long-haul international travel.

The airline recently unveiled 11 new routes across 15 cities for summer 2027, including flights to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Turks and Caicos. Southwest is also considering introducing Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its fleet, which could open the door to long-distance international services.

Boeing 787 

Southwest Airlines Adds New International Routes for Summer 2027

Southwest announced on Oct. 2 that it will introduce three new international routes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, connecting the Texas capital with Nassau in the Bahamas, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Liberia in Costa Rica.

(Source: simpleflying.com)

The new services are scheduled to begin in June 2027, and will operate twice weekly on Saturdays and Sundays through early August. The airline also plans to introduce seasonal flights between Austin and San José, Costa Rica, beginning March 13, 2027, while bringing back service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Nashville is another major beneficiary of the expansion, with new nonstop flights planned to Nassau and Providenciales in Turks and Caicos.

The additions are part of Southwest's ambitious summer 2027 schedule, which will also introduce several domestic routes across the United States.

Southwest Considers Boeing 787 Dreamliners for Long-Haul Flights

Beyond the newly announced routes, Southwest is reportedly considering a major transformation of its international operations. According to an Oct. 8 Reuters report, the airline is evaluating Boeing 787 Dreamliners as its first widebody aircraft. This could allow the airline to launch longer international flights.

Southwest has historically operated an all-Boeing 737 fleet, which makes the introduction of Dreamliners a major departure from its traditional business model.

The airline is also considering Airbus aircraft, although the Boeing 787 is reportedly the preferred option.

Southwest Expands European Connections Through Icelandair

Southwest is also strengthening its international reach through its partnership with Icelandair. On Oct. 15, Icelandair announced expanded loyalty benefits and confirmed that St. Louis would become the partnership's seventh connecting gateway in May 2027.

(Source: icelandairgroup.com)

This will allow Southwest passengers to connect to Icelandair flights serving Iceland and numerous European destinations. While Southwest will not operate the transatlantic flights itself, the partnership gives its customers more international travel options.

Together, the new routes, airline partnerships, and potential widebody aircraft investment point to a strategy that could transform Southwest from a predominantly domestic carrier into a more competitive international airline.