March 13, 2026 — Dallas, Texas Southwest Airlines announced it will end all service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) effective June 4, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to refine its network for better profitability.
The decision affects flights at ORD, where Southwest began operations in 2021 but saw growth fall short of expectations, leading to prior cuts in four markets in 2024, and IAD, where service has stagnated with only one consistent route to Denver despite starting two decades ago. Southwest plans to concentrate Chicago service at its longtime base, Midway International Airport (MDW), and Washington D.C.-area service at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), where it holds significant presence.
Customer Options
Affected passengers scheduled to fly to or from ORD or IAD after June 4 can rebook without fees to nearby airports, including MDW, Indianapolis (IND), or Milwaukee (MKE) for ORD; and BWI, DCA, Philadelphia (PHL), or Richmond (RIC) for IAD. Full refunds are also available, according to Southwest and The Points Guy.
A Southwest spokesperson stated the exits are part of “ongoing efforts to refine its network.”
Network Strategy Context
Southwest is undergoing a major transformation, including assigned seating, bag fees, potential premium cabins, and capacity growth of 1-2% year-over-year. At ORD, the airline operates three gates, which may open to competitors like American and United. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority expressed disappointment and hopes for a future return to Dulles.
In a prior statement, CEO Bob Jordan noted such cuts target areas without a path to needed financial performance.
Local and Industry Reactions
Local outlets reported impacts: ABC7 Chicago confirmed Midway continuity; CBS News Chicago covered the O’Hare exit; FOX 5 DC and WTOP highlighted Dulles effects.
On X, Airways Magazine noted the optimization plan, while aviation analyst Edward Russell pointed to financial underperformance. The Points Guy linked to coverage of the changes.
