WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Southwest Airlines has cut dozens of routes tied to Florida, according to an aviation analysis, a move that could mean fewer nonstop options for some travelers flying to and from South Florida.

Simple Flying reported that Southwest has ended 43 Florida-related routes after reviewing the airline’s schedule submissions to aviation data firm OAG. The outlet compared Southwest’s Florida network from January 2025 through May 2026 with flights currently planned from June 2026 through March 2027.

The reported cuts include routes involving Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach International Airport, though the changes do not mean Southwest is leaving South Florida.

According to Simple Flying, the discontinued routes include Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta to Miami, Atlanta to West Palm Beach, Hartford/Springfield to Fort Lauderdale, Providence to West Palm Beach, Buffalo to West Palm Beach, Dallas Love Field to West Palm Beach, Milwaukee to Miami, Long Island/Islip to Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay.

The cuts come as Southwest continues to reshape its network and business model.

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In a recent federal filing, Southwest said it had “redeployed underperforming capacity” by significantly reducing service at Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale while expanding service in other markets, including Nashville and San Diego. In another filing, the airline said it planned to suspend operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport and reduce staffing at several airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, effective June 4, 2026.

Impacts on South Florida

For South Florida travelers, the impact depends heavily on the route.

Passengers who previously relied on Southwest for nonstop flights between South Florida and certain cities may now have to book connecting flights, use another airline, or compare flights at nearby airports. That could especially affect travelers who use Palm Beach International Airport, where the reported route cuts include several city pairs connecting West Palm Beach with Atlanta, Providence, Buffalo and Dallas Love Field.

Fort Lauderdale travelers may also notice changes. Southwest’s own filing specifically points to reduced service at Fort Lauderdale, even though the airline continues to serve the airport. For Miami travelers, the reported cuts appear more targeted, including routes to Atlanta, Milwaukee and Long Island/Islip.

The broader takeaway for travelers is that a route Southwest offered in the past may no longer be available as a nonstop flight. Travelers heading to or from South Florida may need to search multiple airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Miami International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport, before booking.

Related: Breeze Airways adding flights from Fort Lauderdale

The changes also reflect a broader shift at Southwest. The airline has been making major changes to its operations and customer experience, including assigned seating, extra legroom options and other initiatives aimed at improving financial performance.

While Southwest remains a major national carrier and continues to operate in Florida, the route cuts suggest the airline is being more selective about where it flies nonstop. For South Florida passengers, that could mean fewer direct choices on some routes and more competition among airlines for travelers willing to shop across airports.

Southwest is also making cuts outside Florida as part of its broader network reshuffle. Simple Flying reported that the airline is ending seven routes from St. Louis Lambert International Airport during the third quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, citing Cirium schedule data.

According to Simple Flying, the St. Louis routes being cut include Des Moines, Little Rock, Tulsa, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Long Beach and San Jose. The outlet reported that St. Louis remains one of Southwest’s busiest bases, but said the changes point to Southwest trimming some point-to-point routes while shifting more capacity through Nashville.

To check flight availability, go to Southwest.com.