Quantcast

Southwest Airlines adds St. Maarten as new Caribbean destination with spring 2026 launch

Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
Southwest Airlines adds St. Maarten as new Caribbean destination with spring 2026 launch
Research
Webp bob
Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Connect with Bob Jordan on LinkedIn (Opens in a new browser tab) | Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has announced plans to expand its Caribbean service with new nonstop flights to St. Maarten beginning in April 2026. The airline will offer daily flights from Orlando International Airport to Princess Juliana International Airport, starting April 7, 2026. Two days later, weekend service from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport will also begin during peak travel weeks.

This marks Southwest's first international route addition since it began flying to Cozumel earlier this decade. The announcement follows last month's news that the carrier would add St. Thomas as a destination and earlier this summer's introduction of flights to McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville, Tennessee.

"St. Maarten is Southwest's first international destination since 2021 — and SXM will be just its third new airport during that period. Earlier this summer, the Dallas-based carrier announced new flights to St. Thomas' Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) and Tennessee's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) outside of Knoxville."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

St. Maarten is divided into two sections: one influenced by Dutch culture and the other by French culture. While there are fewer points hotels on the island compared to other Caribbean destinations, travelers can book stays at properties like the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa using Marriott Bonvoy points; this hotel opened in early 2024.

The airport at St. Maarten is well known among aviation enthusiasts because planes fly low over a beach during landing, providing unique photo opportunities for spotters.

Currently, six U.S.-based airlines—American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines—offer nonstop flights between the U.S. mainland and Princess Juliana International Airport.

Travelers can book Southwest flights with Rapid Rewards points earned through flying or spending on cobranded credit cards; some cards currently offer sign-up bonuses for new applicants who meet spending requirements. Points from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards can also be transferred to Southwest at a one-to-one ratio.

###

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025