Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Southwest Airlines Expands Service To Hawaii And U.S. West Coast With New Routes From Burbank, Ontario, Long Beach, Portland, Seattle, San Diego, And Santa Barbara In 2026
Published on
November 26, 2025
Southwest Airlines is strengthening its West Coast network with new flights from Burbank, Ontario, Long Beach, Portland, Seattle, San Diego, and Santa Barbara to Hawaii and other popular destinations starting in 2026. This expansion is part of Southwest’s strategy to enhance its presence on the U.S. West Coast, with new routes that provide more direct connections to Hawaii and key West Coast cities. As the airline recovers from the challenges of the pandemic, these new services reflect its focus on improving regional connectivity and offering travelers more convenient, nonstop flight options to high-demand destinations.
Southwest Airlines is set to expand its domestic network with the launch of five new routes, strengthening its foothold on the U.S. West Coast. These new services will provide travelers with more direct options, including new routes to Hawaii and within the West Coast. Starting in June and August 2026, Southwest will introduce daily flights to Honolulu from both Burbank and Ontario, in addition to adding new services from Long Beach to Portland and Seattle, and a route between San Diego and Santa Barbara.
These new routes are part of Southwest’s strategy to reinforce its position on the West Coast. The airline aims to attract more passengers while enhancing its recovery and financial position following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. After undergoing a series of adjustments, including a shift in its business model, Southwest is focused on regaining market share and returning to profitability.
Southwest’s Hawaii Expansion
One of the key highlights of Southwest’s new offerings is the introduction of a direct service between Ontario International Airport and Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, starting on June 4, 2026. This route will operate daily with a Boeing 737 MAX 8. The flight will depart from Ontario in the morning and return in the evening, providing a convenient schedule for both leisure and business travelers. With this addition, Southwest will become the third Los Angeles area airport to offer nonstop flights to Hawaii.
On August 4, 2026, Southwest will also begin flying between Hollywood Burbank Airport and Honolulu. This route, also operated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8, will provide daily service, giving travelers in the northern part of Los Angeles County another option to reach the islands. Burbank has not had direct flights to Hawaii in over 20 years, making this a significant development for the airport and the airline. Southwest will face competition from other carriers, including a similar service from another airline, but it is confident that the route will meet strong demand.
Both of these new routes to Hawaii will be flown using the Boeing 737 MAX 8, which Southwest has deployed across its Hawaii network. The MAX 8 is configured with 175 seats in an all-economy layout, offering Wi-Fi, in-seat power, but no in-flight entertainment. These flights will be part of Southwest’s broader strategy to improve passenger experience and profitability. Beginning in January 2026, Southwest will introduce assigned seating and extra-legroom options, responding to customer feedback and enhancing its competitive position.
New West Coast Routes
Alongside its Hawaiian expansion, Southwest is also launching three new routes within the West Coast. Two of these will be from Long Beach Airport, which is already a major hub for Southwest in Southern California. Starting on August 4, 2026, Southwest will offer daily service to Portland International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Both routes will operate six times a week, providing increased flexibility for travelers in the region.
Additionally, Southwest will begin flying from San Diego International Airport to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport on the same day, August 4, 2026. This new intra-state route will operate daily, offering a quick and convenient option for travelers between these two cities. San Diego will also see expanded service on existing routes, with Southwest doubling its flights to Salt Lake City, Portland, and Seattle. The added frequency will make it easier for passengers to access these destinations, reinforcing Southwest’s presence in Southern California.
Route OverviewOriginDestinationLaunch DateFrequencyCompetitionOntarioHonoluluJune 4, 2026DailyOther carriersBurbankHonoluluAugust 4, 2026DailyOther carriersSan DiegoSanta BarbaraAugust 4, 2026DailyOther carriersLong BeachPortlandAugust 4, 20266x weeklyN/ALong BeachSeattleAugust 4, 20266x weeklyN/A
Southwest’s decision to expand its West Coast network comes as the airline continues to dominate secondary airports like Long Beach, San Diego, Ontario, and Burbank. These airports have become key hubs for Southwest, allowing it to capture a large share of the regional market. However, the airline faces stiff competition from other major carriers, particularly Alaska Airlines, which has a strong presence in the region. Despite this, Southwest remains the largest carrier in California, and its financial recovery has put it in a strong position to challenge its rivals.
The Current State of Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has made several changes in recent years, adjusting its business model in response to shifting market conditions. The airline has joined the Global Distribution System (GDS) and made other operational changes to improve customer service and efficiency. While some of these adjustments, such as the elimination of open seating and free checked bags, have been met with mixed reactions, they have contributed to the airline’s improved financial performance.
Southwest Airlines is expanding its West Coast network with new flights from Burbank, Ontario, Long Beach, Portland, Seattle, San Diego, and Santa Barbara to Hawaii and other destinations in 2026. This move is part of the airline’s strategy to strengthen its presence in key West Coast markets and offer more direct connections to popular travel destinations.
With these changes, Southwest is better positioned to take on its competitors and regain market share. The airline is seeing higher profits compared to previous years, and with the new routes and ongoing improvements to its operations, it is poised for continued growth. The West Coast expansion is just one example of Southwest’s broader strategy to strengthen its network and remain competitive in a rapidly changing airline industry.
