March 15, 2026 — Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Southwest Airlines will cease all service to, from and through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), effective June 4, 2026, with final flights on June 3. The decision marks the end of service at IAD after nearly 20 years and ORD after a five-year experiment, as part of the carrier’s efforts to refine its network.
Official Announcement
Southwest issued a travel advisory stating:
“Southwest Airlines will no longer operate service to, from, or through Chicago/O’Hare, IL (ORD) and Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD) beginning June 4, 2026.” [Southwest Travel Advisory]
Customers with bookings on or after that date will have reservations rebooked or refunded automatically. A spokesperson added:
“As part of Southwest’s ongoing efforts to refine its network, the company will discontinue service to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD), effective June 4. These changes do not represent any significant changes in flight availability for these cities, as we will continue our robust service at Chicago Midway (MDW), Baltimore Washington International (BWI), and Washington Reagan National (DCA).”
Service History
Southwest began service at IAD in 2006, serving it for nearly 20 years with recent routes limited to Phoenix and Denver. At ORD, operations started in late 2021 as a COVID-recovery experiment amid available gates and reduced competition, peaking at over 800 monthly departures before shrinking. Midway has been Southwest’s primary Chicago hub since 1985.
Southwest Airlines exits two airports, one after serving it for 20 years, aligning with prior cuts at airports like Houston-Bush and Syracuse.
Operational Impacts
The move consolidates Chicago service at Midway, which handles up to 244 daily departures and will absorb ORD’s 15 routes without reducing options. D.C.-area service persists via BWI and DCA. Affected employees can bid for positions elsewhere in the network.
Broader Context
This follows 30 route cuts announced earlier in 2026 and shifts like assigned seating. Aviation outlets and X discussions highlight ORD congestion and FAA caps as factors, with some viewing it as a boost for competitors like United.
