Southwest Restores Mainland–Hilo Flights With New Las Vegas Service

Southwest Airlines is set to restore direct mainland air service to Hilo, Hawaii, ending a three-year gap with the launch of new nonstop flights from Las Vegas. The route, scheduled to begin in August, will operate three times a week and marks the first direct connection between the US mainland and Hilo since service was suspended during the pandemic recovery period.

The new flights will link Las Vegas with Hilo, providing travelers with a convenient alternative to connecting through Honolulu or other inter-island gateways. For Southwest, the move represents a strategic expansion of its Hawaii network and reinforces its long-term commitment to serving the islands with point-to-point routes from key mainland markets.

Hilo, located on the eastern side of Hawaii’s Big Island, has traditionally seen far fewer direct mainland flights than Kona, which handles the bulk of long-haul visitor traffic. Local officials and tourism stakeholders have welcomed the return of nonstop service, citing its potential to support economic activity while encouraging more balanced and sustainable tourism across the island. By improving access to Hilo, Southwest’s new route is expected to help distribute visitor flows more evenly, easing pressure on more heavily visited destinations.

The airline said the Las Vegas–Hilo service is designed to appeal to both leisure travelers and residents, offering easier access for mainland visitors while strengthening ties between Hawaii and the continental US. Las Vegas serves as a major leisure hub and connecting point within Southwest’s domestic network, allowing passengers from multiple cities to reach Hilo with fewer connections and more competitive fares.

Southwest initially launched mainland-to-Hilo flights in 2021 but later paused the service as it adjusted capacity and schedules amid operational challenges and shifting demand patterns. The decision to reinstate the route reflects improving market conditions, steady demand for Hawaii travel, and greater stability across airline operations. It also aligns with Southwest’s broader efforts to optimize its network with routes that combine strong leisure demand and operational efficiency.

Flights will be operated using Boeing 737 aircraft, consistent with Southwest’s all-737 fleet strategy. While the airline has not yet released detailed schedules or fare information, the three-times-weekly frequency is intended to test demand while providing reliable access during peak travel periods.

The return of nonstop mainland service to Hilo is seen as a significant milestone for the local community and tourism sector. As Hawaii continues to focus on responsible growth and visitor management, improved air access to secondary gateways like Hilo is expected to play a key role. For Southwest, the route underscores its positioning as a major player in Hawaii travel and highlights the airline’s ongoing efforts to refine its network as demand patterns evolve.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com