Southwest Airlines announces new Alaska service as part of ongoing route expansion

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Global Industry News

Southwest Airlines announces new Alaska service as part of ongoing route expansion

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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

By Sky Industry News

Oct 8, 2025

Southwest Airlines has announced plans to begin flights to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Alaska. The new service is scheduled to start in the first half of 2026, with flights operating from Denver International Airport (DEN) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. The airline will release its detailed schedule for Anchorage later in October.

This move is part of a broader expansion for Southwest Airlines in 2025. Earlier this year, the company revealed new destinations that will be added to its network in 2026, including McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) near Knoxville, Tennessee; Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten; Cyrus E. King International Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Charles M. Schulz — Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, California.

The expansion comes as Southwest makes significant changes to its operations and policies. In May, the airline introduced bag fees for the first time and plans to transition from an open-seating policy to assigned seats starting January 2026, which will include an extra-legroom premium option. The carrier has also established new international partnerships and is considering additional offerings such as long-haul international flights, premium lounges, and possibly a first-class cabin.

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"Everything is on the table," CEO Bob Jordan said at an industry event in Washington, D.C., in September.

Southwest’s entry into the Anchorage market will place it in competition with Alaska Airlines on both routes from Denver and Las Vegas. United Airlines also operates between ANC and DEN.

For travelers interested in maximizing their benefits when flying Southwest or booking airfare more generally, there are various resources available about earning rewards points and elite status through credit cards and loyalty programs.