A Southwest Airlines aircraft. Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES.
ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Department of Tourism has confirmed the launch of nonstop Southwest Airlines service to St. Thomas from both Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), with service set to begin in February 2026.
According to the announcement, daily round-trip service from Orlando will commence on February 5, while peak-day flights from Baltimore/Washington will begin February 7. All flights will arrive at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) in St. Thomas.
Tickets for both routes are now available for purchase at Southwest.com.
Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte emphasized the importance of the new routes in strengthening air access to the territory from two critical East Coast hubs. “The launch of nonstop service from Baltimore enhances our connectivity to the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding Mid-Atlantic region—an important and growing market for the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Boschulte said.
He also pointed to the benefits of increased access from Central Florida. “The new Orlando route deepens our reach into Central Florida, a high-traffic hub for both domestic and international travelers,” he noted.
“These additions significantly strengthen our presence along the East Coast and provide travelers with even more convenient, direct access to the beauty and warmth of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Boschulte added. “This further reiterates the Territory’s growing prowess as a premier destination and is a direct reflection of the tenacity and commitment of the Department of Tourism team, who continue working tirelessly to elevate our home on the global stage.”
Southwest’s announcement comes alongside broader updates to its service offerings. Beginning January 27, 2026, the airline will transition to an assigned seating model, allowing passengers to select their seats at booking. Premium seating and other fare bundle options will be made available via Southwest.com. The new policy will apply to all travel beginning on or after that date.
Passengers traveling on transoceanic itineraries with Southwest’s partner airlines—Icelandair and China Airlines—will also be able to select seats across their full itinerary, including connecting Southwest flights. Until January 27, 2026, all existing flights will continue under Southwest’s current open seating policy.
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