Does Southwest Fly Out of IAH Airport?

No, Southwest does not fly out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). It has officially ended all flights from this airfield on August 4, 2024. This decision surprised many travelers who relied on the low-cost flights with this carrier from Houston’s largest airport. This decision was taken by the company due to financial losses and plane shortages.

Why Did Southwest Leave George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)?

The primary reasons behind Southwest Airlines‘ leaving the IAH Airport are its financial and operational challenges. These are explained in detail below.

• $231 million loss in Q1 2024:

• In the first quarter of 2024, the airline reported heavy losses. 
• This is due to high operating costs and weaker-than-expected performance in some markets.
• To recover financially, Southwest had to reduce spending and close weaker-performing airports.

• Boeing delivery delays:

• Southwest operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet.
• Hence, it is fully dependent on its production schedule.
• It was promised that Boeing would deliver 46 new 737 MAX 8 planes in early 2024.
• Alternatively, fewer than half arrived due to a production slowdown.
• Because it had fewer planes than planned, the airline could not fly everywhere.
• Hence, it had to prioritize its strongest bases.

• Need to Cut Capacity:

• Here, the capacity means the number of flights and seats an airline can offer.
• With fewer aircraft, the airline had to make tough choices about where to fly.
• At IAH, the carrier had less revenue compared to HOU Airport.
• Running from both airports in the same city created duplicate costs.

Which Airports were Closed Alongside IAH Airport?

Along with George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Southwest also left 3 other airfields on the same date.

• Bellingham International Airport (BLI) in Washington
• Cozumel International Airport (CZM) in Mexico
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) in New York

Why Choose HOU Airport Instead of IAH to Fly With Southwest?

After banning flights to/from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (Texas), Southwest still flies from this city. Now, it arrives/departs solely from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

• Southwest is the dominant carrier at HOU, operating most flights here.
• From this location, it flies internationally to the airports in:
  • Mexico
  • Central America
  • The Caribbean
• To inquire about its services, flyers can contact its office in Houston.

How Does it Impact Passengers?

For Southwest travelers, there are many noticeable changes with the exit from the IAH Airport.

• All Southwest flights moved to the HOU Airport.
• Hence, they have to use this airport, even though they were in proximity to the IAH Airport.
• There are fewer low-cost options at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
• Now, it is dominated by other full-service carriers like United Airlines.
• Also, it can add significant travel time.

Will Southwest Return to IAH Airport?

As of now, there are no official plans for Southwest to come back to George Bush Intercontinental Airport. 

• The airline said its focus is on “controlling what we can control”.
• By this statement, it means managing costs and limited planes.
• However, industry experts believe a return could happen only if:
  • Boeing catches up on deliveries.
  • Southwest sees strong financial recovery.
  • Enough passengers at IAH to fit how Southwest operates.

To conclude, Southwest has terminated all its operations to/from IAH Airport. Also, there is no official announcement of retrieving its services from this location in Texas. Nonetheless, Houston travelers can choose other airfields to fly out of/into this city. 

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