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Southwest Airlines has started negotiations with the unions representing its pilots and flight attendants as it seeks to expand its international operations. The move comes as the airline is considering adding new destinations to its route network, signaling a shift in its business model.
In May 2025, Southwest filed for authorization from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin service to international destinations under the Open Skies agreement. Currently, Southwest serves only a few international destinations in the Caribbean. The ongoing talks with unions indicate preparations for longer-range flights using Boeing 737 aircraft, though no specific new destinations have been announced.
A spokesperson for Southwest told CNN, “continuing to consider ways to grow our business as we evolve to meet the needs of our current and future customers. One of the things we are exploring is the potential to expand our network to new international destinations on our Boeing 737 aircraft.” On August 20, 2025, TWU Local 556, which represents Southwest’s flight attendants, confirmed that discussions had begun regarding “a limited number of new international destinations.”
