Southwest Airlines Is Adding Nonstop Flights to a Caribbean Island Filled With White-Sand Beaches, Green Hills, and Tropical Adventure

You step through the terminal at Cyril E. King Airport, palm trees swaying in the distance, the Caribbean sun warming your face — and this time, you’re arriving in St. Thomas on a Southwest Airlines flight, with a sip of Cruzan waiting for you.

That will soon be a reality for travelers across the U.S., as Southwest Airlines is preparing to launch new nonstop service to the U.S. Virgin Islands in early 2026. The carrier confirmed that St. Thomas will be the first of three new destinations announced for its 2026 expansion, adding the island to its growing Caribbean network and signaling a new level of accessibility for the territory.

The move marks a significant milestone not just for Southwest, but for the U.S. Virgin Islands, which continue to attract major airline investment thanks to strong visitor demand. For travelers, it means affordable, flexible airfare options to one of the most naturally beautiful islands in the region — with no passport required.

“We are listening closely to what our Customers want—from new products and loyalty benefits to new destinations,” said Bob Jordan, President and CEO of Southwest. “We want to make Southwest Airlines the easy and obvious choice every time, and this is another meaningful step in our ongoing transformation.”

Southwest’s arrival in St. Thomas will make it the ninth island destination in the Atlantic Basin served by the airline, alongside Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos. The carrier also flies internationally to Belize, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

The upcoming flights — expected to launch in early 2026, with tickets available for purchase soon — will connect travelers from the mainland to the U.S. Virgin Islands with the same perks that have long made Southwest a favorite: two free checked bags, no change fees, and open seating. But that last feature is also about to change.

As part of its broader strategy, Southwest is planning a series of enhancements that will roll out alongside the new St. Thomas route. By the third quarter of 2025, the airline will begin offering assigned and premium seating, followed by a fleet reconfiguration in early 2026 that includes more legroom, fare bundles, and upgraded seating choices. The new St. Thomas service will be among the first to benefit.

For the U.S. Virgin Islands, this isn’t just another flight — it’s a strategic win. “We are excited at the announcement of new airlift into St. Thomas with Southwest Airlines,” said Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal. “As a destination, this expands our accessibility and connectivity to travelers, allowing for seamless and expanded travel opportunities to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that define the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. echoed the sentiment. “Today marks an exciting milestone for the U.S. Virgin Islands and our growing tourism industry. We are proud to welcome this new partnership with Southwest Airlines and look forward to greeting new travelers to our beautiful island home,” he said.

While details such as specific routes and launch dates have yet to be confirmed, the airline has made clear that St. Thomas is just the beginning.

It’s another big boost for a destination that has seen some of the highest travel demand of anywhere in the Caribbean in the last half-decade, and one that is also about to get a brand new Hilton hotel this year, as we reported.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a no-passport-required Caribbean getaway with turquoise water, historic towns, and world-class snorkeling — now with a low-fare option to match — 2026 might be your year.

Southwest is coming to St. Thomas. The US Virgin Islands just got a little closer.