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Southwest Airlines has developed its network over the past five decades, expanding across North America. The airline started operations in June 1971 with routes connecting Dallas’ Love Field, Houston Intercontinental Airport, and San Antonio. Over time, it has grown into a complex network.
While Southwest is primarily known as a point-to-point carrier, some of its bases have become crucial for passenger connectivity. Airports like Denver, Baltimore, and Chicago Midway serve as "rolling hubs," allowing quick turnaround times for flights to enhance aircraft utilization.
Chicago Midway stands out as one of Southwest's busiest cities. The airline entered this market on March 17, 1985, with eight daily departures to St. Louis, Missouri. It quickly became an important destination for the carrier. According to Department of Transportation Statistics, Chicago Midway ranks as the second-busiest destination in Southwest’s network based on passengers carried. In the year ending October 2024, more than 10 million passengers traveled through this airport via Southwest.
