(KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE) Southwest Airlines will launch service at McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville on March 5, 2026, adding five daily round-trip flights and marking the carrier’s first return to the market since its AirTran affiliate left in 2012. Tickets went on sale on August 14, 2025, as part of a broader network expansion, giving East Tennessee residents new low-fare options and more connections to major U.S. cities.
Southwest’s initial schedule includes daily service to Baltimore/Washington, Dallas Love Field, and Orlando, plus two daily flights to Nashville, positioning Knoxville as a convenient gateway for both business and leisure travel. The move follows sustained passenger growth and years of outreach by airport leaders focused on new airline partnerships regionwide.
The airline cited Knoxville’s ties to the University of Tennessee and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains as drivers. With Knoxville joining Nashville and Memphis on Southwest’s map, Tennessee will have three cities in the carrier’s network.
Service details and booking
Southwest has opened sales across all routes, with flights starting March 5, 2026. Customers can book now through Southwest’s website, mobile app, or authorized travel agents.
Key service features:
– Baggage policy: Two free checked bags per passenger (Southwest’s standard policy).
– Check-in options: Online, mobile, and airport kiosk check-in.
– Booking channels: Southwest website, mobile app, and authorized travel agents.
Planned daily round-trips include:
1. Knoxville (TYS) — Baltimore/Washington (BWI): 1x daily
2. Knoxville (TYS) — Nashville (BNA): 2x daily
3. Knoxville (TYS) — Dallas Love Field (DAL): 1x daily
4. Knoxville (TYS) — Orlando (MCO): 1x daily
Benefits for travelers:
– Fewer connections on common trips — often cutting one or two stops.
– Improved access to the Northeast and international gateways via BWI.
– Direct Texas link through DAL.
– More leisure and business choices with MCO and a frequent shuttle to BNA.
Tickets are available now; travelers planning spring break or summer trips can lock in itineraries early. According to VisaVerge.com analysis, new Southwest service often prompts competitors to adjust fares and schedules, which may lower average ticket prices and increase timing options.
Airport growth and infrastructure
McGhee Tyson Airport is experiencing fast growth. Enplanements rose from 1.2 million in 2023 to an estimated 1.7 million in 2024, with forecasts exceeding 2.3 million in the near future. To keep pace, the airport launched a “Flight Plan” improvement program to add space, modernize systems, and prepare for more peak-hour departures.
Key projects include:
– Terminal apron expansion: Increasing overnight aircraft parking from 3 to 7 positions to support early-morning departures.
– TSA checkpoint expansion: Additional screening lanes to handle higher volumes and reduce lines.
– Parking and roads: A new parking garage and roadway work to improve drop-off and pick-up flow.
– Future terminal work: More gates, updated concessions, and better seating and power access across the concourse.
– Sustainability and technology: Energy-saving upgrades and next-generation baggage systems to speed handling and cut delays.
Airport managers plan to phase these upgrades over several years to limit disruption. The strategy aims to keep wait times manageable as Southwest layers in more departures and other carriers grow schedules.
Important traveler reminder:
The federal REAL ID rules apply to domestic flights. For details on acceptable identification, see the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s guide: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
Bringing the right ID helps keep lines moving, especially during morning peaks when multiple flights depart within an hour.
Economic and community impact
Local business and tourism groups pursued Southwest’s return, arguing the carrier can expand the region’s reach and attract events, corporate visits, and family travel. With Knoxville serving as a gateway to the Smokies and the Tennessee River valley, added lift is expected to raise visitor numbers and increase hotel occupancy year-round—not just in peak summer months.
Analyst perspective:
– Aviation analysts view the move as a strategic step for Southwest to meet demand in a fast-growing metro that faced schedule gaps and higher fares on some routes.
– Placing Knoxville inside Southwest’s national network lets the airline funnel travelers through BWI, DAL, BNA, and MCO to hundreds of one-stop destinations.
– The doubled frequency to Nashville provides East Tennesseans a simple shuttle to the state capital and an additional major connecting bank.
International and immigrant traveler note:
– For immigrant families and international visitors flying into the U.S. 🇺🇸, these routes simplify domestic connections after clearing U.S. immigration at gateway airports.
– Many travelers will connect from overseas services landing at BWI or MCO, continuing to Knoxville on a single ticket to save time and reduce travel stress.
Infrastructure alignment:
– More gates and apron space enable carriers to stage early departures that match connections from Europe and Latin America.
– Extra TSA capacity can ease morning peaks when business travelers and vacationers arrive simultaneously.
– Parking projects add capacity for locals who prefer to drive rather than use shuttles or rideshare.
Looking ahead — what travelers should watch
Southwest has hinted at adding more cities in future updates. If demand holds, Knoxville could see seasonal flights or increased frequencies on strong routes. Any expansions will likely follow the airport’s construction timeline as completed projects allow busier banks of departures.
Recommendations for travelers:
1. Watch for introductory fares and schedule updates as the launch date approaches.
2. Remember that airlines often fine-tune departure times after bookings open—especially to coordinate connecting banks in BWI and DAL.
3. If you book early, set calendar reminders to recheck your itinerary and seat assignments.
Official resources:
– McGhee Tyson Airport website: flyknoxville.com
– Southwest Airlines bookings and management: southwest.com
– TYS information desk: (865) 342-3000
With tickets on sale and the countdown underway, travelers in Knoxville now have a clear path to more choice, more seats, and more competition starting next spring.
This Article in a Nutshell
Southwest returns to Knoxville March 5, 2026, offering five daily round-trips and two free checked bags per passenger, expanding low-fare options, boosting connections to BWI, DAL, MCO and Nashville, and supporting McGhee Tyson’s growth plans amid rising enplanements and phased airport infrastructure upgrades.
