Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines is set to make a major impact in summer 2025 with the addition of 20 new red-eye flights and a new route to Cancun, marking an aggressive push into overnight flying. This expansion builds on Southwest’s strategy to maximize aircraft use and enhance convenience for travelers across key markets. The airline’s newly extended booking schedule now includes options through August 2025, giving travelers expanded choices and an opportunity to save time on popular routes.

Southwest’s Red-Eye Expansion: 13 New Routes to Key Hubs

Starting June 5, 2025, Southwest will launch 13 new red-eye routes from popular West Coast cities and Hawaii, further bolstering its commitment to overnight travel. In a significant first, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) will receive six new red-eye flights, solidifying it as Southwest’s main red-eye hub on the East Coast. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will also see an increase in red-eye options, with four new departures added to its schedule.

New Hawaii Red-Eye Routes Starting April & June 2025

1. Honolulu (HNL) to Phoenix (PHX)

• Departs: 9:05 PM, Arrives: 6:05 AM (next day)
• Start Date: April 8, 2025
• Notes: Southwest joins American Airlines on this popular route, perfect for travelers maximizing their day in Honolulu.

2. Honolulu (HNL) to Las Vegas (LAS)

• Departs: 9:00 PM, Arrives: 5:50 AM (next day)
• Start Date: April 8, 2025
• Notes: This route offers added flexibility for those flying Hawaii’s “gateway to the ninth island.”

3. Kahului (OGG) to Phoenix (PHX)

• Departs: 8:30 PM, Arrives: 5:20 AM (next day)
• Start Date: June 3, 2025
• Notes: A new overnight option for travelers wishing to make the most of their time in Maui.

4. Kahului (OGG) to Las Vegas (LAS)

• Departs: 8:25 PM, Arrives: 5:00 AM (next day)
• Start Date: April 8, 2025
• Notes: Southwest’s first nonstop red-eye from Maui to Las Vegas, a popular destination for many.

5. Kailua-Kona (KOA) to Las Vegas (LAS)

• Departs: 8:30 PM, Arrives: 5:10 AM (next day)
• Start Date: April 8, 2025
• Notes: Adds direct access from the Big Island, serving high demand among Kona’s residents and visitors.

6. Lihue (LIH) to Las Vegas (LAS)

• Departs: 8:40 PM, Arrives: 5:30 AM (next day)
• Start Date: June 5, 2025
• Notes: A unique offering from Kauai, designed to reduce daytime travel interruptions for island residents.

7. Honolulu (HNL) to Los Angeles (LAX)

• Departs: 9:05 PM, Arrives: 5:35 AM (next day)
• Start Date: April 8, 2025
• Notes: Southwest’s entry in the busy red-eye market from Honolulu to LAX, joining four other carriers on this route.

Expanded Red-Eye Routes Starting June 5, 2025

8. Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

• Notes: Brand new service to BWI, further strengthening connections to the East Coast.

9. Ontario International Airport (ONT) to BWI

• Notes: Another new route, enhancing options for travelers from Ontario, California.

10. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to BWI

• Notes: Expands Southwest’s presence in San Francisco with an East Coast red-eye option.

11. SFO to Nashville International Airport (BNA)

• Notes: A fresh red-eye route connecting the Bay Area to Music City.

12. Portland International Airport (PDX) to BWI

• Notes: Revived service last operated in 2019, a convenient overnight option from Portland.

13. San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) to BWI

• Notes: Returns after a four-year hiatus, offering renewed access to the East Coast.

14. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)

• Notes: A coast-to-coast red-eye route, catering to Californians heading to Florida.

15. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to BWI

• Notes: One of several Seattle red-eyes heading to key Southwest hubs.

16. SEA to Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW)

• Notes: Enhances connectivity between Seattle and Chicago for overnight travelers.

17. SEA to Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

• Notes: A practical overnight route linking Seattle and Houston.

18. SEA to Nashville International Airport (BNA)

• Notes: Connects Seattle to Nashville with a new red-eye option.

New Seasonal Service to Cancun, Mexico

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) to Cancun International Airport (CUN)

• Start Date: June 7, 2025 (operates on Saturdays)
• Notes: Southwest’s expansion into Mexico with a new weekly route from Colorado Springs, perfect for vacationers seeking Cancun’s beautiful beaches.

Returning Seasonal and Popular Routes

Southwest’s summer expansion includes the reintroduction of seasonal red-eye flights, such as Honolulu (HNL) to Los Angeles (LAX) and Lihue (LIH) to Las Vegas (LAS). The Honolulu-LAX route, already popular, will see more frequency, catering to the strong demand for convenient connections from Hawaii. Other red-eye routes returning include Seattle to BWI, Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW), and Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

This expansion comes as Southwest strategically optimizes its fleet utilization amid aircraft supply delays from Boeing. With red-eye flights becoming an integral part of Southwest’s schedule, the airline aims to capture the late-night market while addressing profitability and operational efficiency. The additional red-eye flights are expected to attract business travelers, weekend vacationers, and those looking to maximize their time at destinations.

A New International Route to Cancun

Alongside the red-eye expansion, Southwest will launch a new international route, connecting Colorado Springs Airport (COS) with Cancun International Airport (CUN) starting June 7, 2025. Operating on Saturdays, this service opens a direct international option for Colorado Springs, a highly anticipated addition that enhances Southwest’s presence in Cancun—a destination where demand continues to soar.

In 2024 alone, Southwest increased seats to Cancun by 14% compared to 2023, countering a 5% reduction in capacity from other carriers. This new route from Colorado Springs will further Southwest’s foothold in one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, underscoring the airline’s strategy to meet growing demand for direct international connections.

Industry-Wide Implications and Future Prospects

Southwest’s robust 2025 schedule aligns with a broader industry trend, as airlines increasingly tap into red-eye and overnight flying to improve fleet utilization. With key cities like Baltimore, Seattle, and San Francisco at the center of this expansion, Southwest aims to position itself as a competitive choice for travelers seeking overnight flights, and industry observers believe this shift could make Southwest a leader in the domestic red-eye market.

The airline’s red-eye strategy also aims to boost financial performance after several quarters of stagnant revenue. According to Southwest’s Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson, reducing turn times and optimizing fleet usage through red-eye flights are essential to improving connectivity across Southwest’s network, thereby increasing profitability and meeting Wall Street expectations.

With over 30 red-eye options next summer, Southwest offers travelers unmatched flexibility, particularly those flying from Hawaii and the West Coast to major East Coast hubs. The combination of these new routes and the Cancun service exemplifies Southwest’s drive to adapt to evolving travel demands and position itself for long-term growth in both domestic and international markets.