Southwest Airlines Considers “Modest Presence” at DFW Airport in 2025

Southwest Airlines CEO Robert Jordan has revealed that the airline is exploring the possibility of establishing a “modest presence” at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) when a regulatory restriction expires in 2025. This development comes as Southwest looks for options to address capacity constraints at Dallas Love Field, where it currently operates 18 of the 20 gates.

The regulation preventing Southwest from expanding to DFW Airport stems from the Wright Amendment, a federal law enacted in 1979 to protect DFW from competition originating at Love Field. Under this law, flights from Love Field were restricted to a few nearby states, with passengers required to change planes and tickets for longer-distance travel. The Wright Amendment was repealed in 2014, allowing Southwest to operate non-stop flights to any destination in the US from Love Field. However, the repeal included a provision prohibiting Southwest from utilizing any other airport in the Dallas-Fort Worth area until 2025, unless it relinquished some gates at Love Field.

Jordan emphasized that Southwest has no intention of giving up its gates at Love Field, as the airport is considered its home and plays a pivotal role in its business strategy. Instead, the airline is exploring ways to grow and better serve customers in North Texas. Jordan clarified that any potential expansion to DFW Airport is not aimed at competing with American Airlines, the dominant carrier at DFW, but rather at complementing its services and providing travelers with more choices and convenience.

Southwest is currently engaged in preliminary discussions with DFW Airport officials to explore the feasibility of using some of the airport’s gates starting in 2025. Jordan stressed that both sides are approaching the talks constructively, with a shared interest in finding a mutually beneficial solution. While specific details are still under evaluation, Southwest is considering a small and flexible number of gates that would allow for a limited number of daily flights.

Southwest Airlines will continue to assess market demand and the potential benefits of establishing a presence at DFW Airport, with no immediate commitments or announcements planned as of now.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, nbcdfw.com, rovertip.com