March 14, 2026 — Chicago
Southwest Airlines to discontinue flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport later this year, effective June 4, 2026, ending the carrier’s five-year service at the airport that began in 2021. The airline plans to shift focus to its longstanding hub at Chicago Midway International Airport, where it has operated for over 41 years and offers more than 80 nonstop destinations, including the 15 markets previously served from O’Hare.[1] [2]
The announcement came on March 13, 2026, via statements to media outlets amid Southwest Airlines to discontinue flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport later this year. Southwest cited ongoing operational challenges at O’Hare, high competition from United and American Airlines, O’Hare’s position as the busiest U.S. airport in 2025, and FAA discussions on capacity reductions.[3]
Southwest’s Official Statement
A Southwest spokesperson stated:
“Operating at Chicago O’Hare continues to be challenging, and we are confident we can serve Chicagoland through Chicago Midway. Our robust service from our longtime base at Midway will continue to serve more than 80 destinations, including the 15 markets we served from O’Hare. Southwest remains committed to providing its signature hospitality to our Customers in Chicagoland.”[1] [2] [3]
This reflects Southwest Airlines to discontinue flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport later this year as part of network optimization.
Passenger and Employee Impacts
Flights booked after June 4, 2026, will be canceled, with passengers offered rebooking options—primarily at Midway—or full refunds.[2] Affected O’Hare employees can bid for positions across Southwest’s network, including Midway.[2]
Broader Network Changes
Southwest Airlines to discontinue flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport later this year aligns with exiting service at Washington Dulles International Airport, described by some outlets as the end of an O’Hare “experiment.”[8] [9] [10]
Local Chicago media, including Chicago Tribune, ABC7 Chicago, NBC Chicago, Chicago Sun-Times, and WGN-TV, reported consistently on March 13-14, 2026. No official press release appears on Southwest’s site; customers should verify bookings directly.
