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Southwest Airlines has announced the closure of operations at several airports, including one in New York, citing reduced demand, slower revenue growth, and increased operating costs. The airline received less than half of its expected new aircraft from Boeing last year. As the exclusive operator of the Boeing 737 type, Southwest depends on a steady supply of new planes.
Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines, highlighted challenges due to aircraft delivery delays: "The recent news from Boeing regarding further aircraft delivery delays presents significant challenges for both 2024 and 2025."
The airline will cease services to Syracuse, New York; Bellingham, Washington; Houston-IAH, Texas; and Cozumel, Mexico. This decision led to the layoff of about 2,000 employees as part of cost-cutting measures. Previously prominent in New York City area airports like Newark Liberty International (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA), Southwest stopped serving EWR in 2019 due to declining demand and high costs.
