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Southwest Airlines lands at McGhee Tyson Airport in March 2026

The addition of Southwest Airlines is one the Knoxville airport’s biggest expansions ever.

August 18, 2025 • 
Julia Pizzuto
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Photo 1: A group of people stand smiling under colorful balloons, holding a sign that reads "Welcome Southwest TYS… The Wait Is Over!" Confetti adds a celebratory feel. Photo 2: A wooden bear figurine stands on a counter, holding a carved sign that reads "Southwest Bear Lines." The setting is indoors with a modern, neutral background. Photo 3: A man in a suit claps at a podium decorated with red, yellow, and blue balloons. "Southwest" is displayed on balloons and a screen behind him. Photo 4: A man in a blue blazer speaks to a group of reporters in front of cameras. Blue, red, and yellow balloons decorate the room, creating a festive atmosphere. Photo 5: A group of nine people stand together, smiling in a modern indoor space. Behind them, colorful balloons in red, blue, and yellow hang from the ceiling, adding a festive atmosphere. The people are dressed in varied professional attire, and the mood is celebratory.

Five daily round-trips to + from Knoxville, along with the airline’s schedule through April 6, 2026, are available at Southwest.com.

Photos provided by Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority

Southwest Airlines is coming to Knoxville early next year, offering flights from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to four US cities starting March 5, 2026.

The airline will arrive at Rocky Top on popular demand, expanding its route and kicking off one of the biggest flight expansions ever for McGhee Tyson Airport.

Southwest flights from TYS are already available to book to destinations including:

  • Nashville, TN (BNA), with two flights every day
  • Dallas, TX (DAL)
  • Orlando, FL (MCO)
  • Baltimore, MD (BWI)

“We’re honored that Southwest, a leading American company serving millions of travelers each year, will be expanding its reach in the Volunteer State, and we’re grateful for their continued economic investment,” said TN Governor Bill Lee.

Southwest is the seventh airline to fly from McGhee Tyson Airport, joining Delta, American Airlines, United, Frontier, Allegiant, and Avelo (Knox News).

Check out all the nonstop destinations from our local airport + start planning your trip.

Book a flight

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