Southwest Cuts St. Louis Route, Adds Chicago Midway Flights

Southwest Airlines has announced upcoming network changes at Des Moines International Airport, including the end of service to St. Louis Lambert International Airport in March 2026. The move is part of the carrier’s broader route adjustments to optimize its schedule and better align capacity with demand.

While the St. Louis route will be discontinued, Southwest will resume service to Chicago Midway International Airport with two daily nonstop flights. The addition strengthens connectivity between Des Moines and one of Southwest’s largest hubs, offering passengers more options for domestic and connecting flights across the airline’s network.

Southwest also confirmed it will maintain all of its other routes from Des Moines, ensuring no further service cuts at the airport. In fact, the airline will expand operations by adding a third daily nonstop flight to Denver International Airport, one of its fastest-growing destinations from Des Moines.

Airline officials emphasized that the changes are designed to balance operational efficiency and provide more convenient travel opportunities for passengers. Chicago Midway has long been a key hub for Southwest, and the restored route is expected to appeal to both business and leisure travelers.

The adjustment reflects the carrier’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune its network in response to evolving travel patterns and demand. By strengthening service to major hubs like Chicago and Denver, while phasing out lower-performing routes such as St. Louis, Southwest aims to enhance its competitiveness and continue its role as a leading carrier in the Des Moines market.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com