Southwest Airlines Halts O’Hare Flights in June, Maintains Midway Service

Southwest Airlines has announced it will cease operations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport starting in June. Flights booked for travel after June 4 will be canceled, as outlined in a recent letter to customers from the airline. Travelers impacted by this change will have the option to rebook or receive a refund.

Transition to Midway

In a statement, Southwest Airlines emphasized its confidence in serving the Chicagoland area through Chicago Midway Airport. The airline has pledged to maintain its robust service from Midway, which has been a key base for 41 years.

• Midway will continue to serve over 80 destinations.
• All 15 markets previously served from O’Hare will also remain accessible from Midway.

Employee Reassignments

Southwest Airlines said that employees impacted by the O’Hare closure will be able to bid for open positions throughout the company’s network, including roles at Midway. This approach aims to minimize job losses and maintain workforce stability.

Wider Aviation Industry Context

This announcement from Southwest comes amid discussions between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and various airlines about reducing flight frequencies at O’Hare this summer. The airline’s decision reflects ongoing challenges associated with operating at this busy airport.

Additional Service Cuts

Alongside halting O’Hare operations, Southwest Airlines will also end its service to Dulles International Airport located in the Washington, D.C. area. This expansion of service cuts is part of the airline’s broader operational adjustments.

Overall, Southwest remains devoted to delivering quality service and hospitality to its customers while adapting to the evolving landscape of air travel in the United States.