March 13, 2026 — Southwest Airlines announced it will cease all flights to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), effective June 4, 2026, with last flights operating on June 3. The move refines the airline’s network amid operational challenges at ORD and financial performance issues at both airports.
Southwest began service at ORD in 2021 during post-COVID expansion and at IAD around 2006 following the AirTran merger, but growth stagnated, particularly at IAD with limited routes.
Reasons for the Decision
A Southwest spokesperson stated:
“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).”
The airline cited challenging operations at ORD, including congestion, slot issues, and FAA discussions on flight caps. ORD routes did not meet financial expectations despite prior cuts in 2024. At IAD, service had dwindled to mainly Denver flights.
“Operating at Chicago O’Hare continues to be challenging, and we are confident we can serve Chicagoland through Chicago Midway.”
Customer and Employee Impacts
Affected bookings on or after June 4 will be automatically canceled, with options for free rebookings to nearby airports like Midway, Milwaukee (MKE), Indianapolis (IND) for ORD; or BWI, DCA, Philadelphia (PHL), Richmond (RIC) for IAD; or full refunds via the airline’s app or website. Employees can bid for open positions across the network, including at Midway.
Continued Service
Southwest reaffirmed commitment to Chicago Midway (MDW), its base since 1985 with up to 244 daily departures to over 80 destinations, absorbing all 15 ORD markets and holding over 90% of Chicago departures. In the D.C. area, service continues at BWI and DCA, its second-largest presence by seats.
Broader Context
DePaul University expert Joe Schwieterman called the ORD exit surprising, noting potential FAA caps requiring 10-15% flight reductions, challenging for Southwest’s limited presence there.
“Southwest is seeing that there could be a big headache at O’Hare. We could get an announcement with FAA that all airlines have to cut flights 10 or 15 percent, and that’s tough for Southwest to do, because they don’t have that many flights there.”
The decision aligns with industry capacity adjustments and Southwest’s profitability initiatives, including assigned seating and potential premium offerings. Coverage appeared on CBS Chicago and The Points Guy.
