Southwest Airlines adds new nonstop Texas route from Houston

Houston travelers will soon be able to skip the layover on trips to the Texas Panhandle. 

Southwest Airlines will begin offering nonstop flights between Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Amarillo's Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) beginning March 11, 2027, according to ABC 7. 

Flights will operate four days a week at the following times:

• Mondays, Thursday and Fridays
  • Flight No. 1140: Departs from Amarillo at 2:25 p.m., arrives in Houston at 4:05 p.m.
  • Flight No. 1966: Departs from Houston at 11:55 a.m., arrives in Amarillo at 1:45 p.m.
• Sundays
  • Flight No. 189: Departs from Amarillo at 2:40 p.m., arrives in Houston at 4:20 p.m.
  • Flight No. 1689: Departs from Houston at 11 a.m., arrives in Amarillo at 12:50 p.m. 

"More flights mean more flexibility for business trips, Gulf Coast getaways, or connections further into Southwest's network," AMA posted to Facebook on Monday. 

Houston is one of Southwest's top markets for Amarillo travelers, and the new flights are also intended to improve access to the Caribbean and Latin America, according to Amarillo Globe-News. 

"Flights are out for sale now and will operate beginning Thursday, March 11," a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines told Chron in a statement on Tuesday. "We started as an intra-Texas airline so we always enjoy an opportunity to add another intrastate route to our network."

Houston Airport System did not immediately respond to Chron's request for comment.

"We're excited to deepen our presence in Amarillo by adding Houston to our route map," Catherine Rylee, a senior network planning analyst for Southwest Airlines, told Amarillo Globe-News in a statement. "Whether traveling for business or leisure, this new service gives customers a convenient nonstop option while further enhancing access to other top destinations." 

The new route expands Southwest's already extensive network from Hobby Airport, where the airline serves more than 100 cities through weekly service. The airline anchors Hobby Airport and offers daily nonstop flights from HOU to dozens of destinations. 

Ongoing expansion 

A $470 million expansion-a partnership between Southwest and Houston Airport System-is also currently underway at HOU.

Set to complete in 2027, the project will construct seven new gates, a refreshed baggage claim area and more space for restaurants and retail among other upgrades. 

Known as the West Concourse Expansion, officials describe the project as "a bold step into the future of travel, offering passengers an elevated experience that matches Houston's vibrant, welcoming spirit," according to the Houston Airport System website. 

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