Southwest Airlines to Initiate Direct Flights from BWI to St. Thomas Commencing in 2026
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is set for an exciting expansion in air travel options with Southwest Airlines launching new nonstop flights to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Costa Rica.
Starting February 7, 2026, Southwest Airlines will begin a new nonstop route from Baltimore to St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport (STT) [1][2][3][4][5]. This route will provide peak-day service and is part of Southwest's expansion into the Caribbean market from its East Coast hubs. These flights mark Southwest's first service to the U.S. Virgin Islands and are designed to boost travel options and tourism to St. Thomas. Tickets for these nonstop flights are already available for purchase [1][3].
In addition to the St. Thomas route, Southwest Airlines will also offer non-stop service from BWI to Costa Rica, although the specific date for this new service has not been disclosed [6]. This expansion is one of the West Coast flights from BWI for Summer 2025 [7].
The new routes contribute to the airport's economic impact, which was previously stated to be over $11.3 billion and supporting more than 107,000 jobs across Maryland and the surrounding area [8].
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport serves as a vital hub for air travel, offering more than 300 daily nonstop departures to around 90 destinations [9]. The airport is currently investing in major infrastructure upgrades to enhance the travel experience and support increased airline service. The Concourse A/B Connector project, the most significant capital project in the airport's history, will create a seamless connection between Concourses A and B, improve baggage handling efficiency, expand gate seating areas, and add new food, retail, and restroom facilities [10].
Southwest Airlines has also announced that it will begin a new nonstop route from Baltimore to Sacramento starting in August, but the exact date is not provided [11].
The text does not provide any information about BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport being one of only two initial gateway airports offering direct service to St. Thomas, as stated earlier. Similarly, there is no information about the airport being one of the initial gateway airports offering direct service to Costa Rica.
These exciting developments in air travel from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport are sure to provide more options for travellers and boost tourism in the destinations served.
- As Southwest Airlines expands its reach to the Caribbean, the airline will now offer nonstop flights from Baltimore to St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport, a move purposefully designed to increase travel options and tourism in St. Thomas.
- Complementing the new route to St. Thomas, Southwest Airlines will also introduce nonstop service from BWI to Costa Rica, further enhancing the finance, aerospace, lifestyle and travel industries by providing more accessible connections between Baltimore and these popular destinations.
