Why Southwest walked away from Intercontinental
Southwest’s retreat is part of a broader network shake-up that removed the carrier from four North American airports in 2024. Executives pointed to two pressures: a first-quarter loss of $231 million and far fewer new aircraft than planned. The airline expected 46 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8s last year but received only 20 because of manufacturing delays, forcing a rethink of which cities deserved scarce seats. InterContinental's schedule relied on flights from six Southwest bases — Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Orlando, Nashville, Las Vegas and Denver — yet the airline had no aircraft or crew permanently stationed there. That made the airport an obvious candidate when leadership looked for “under-performing markets,” a label the carrier now uses for routes that tie up crews without delivering enough revenue.
All Houston service now channels through Hobby
Hobby Airport (HOU) is suddenly busier than ever. Southwest already dominated the field with more than 93 percent market share, and the consolidation boosts its schedule to as many as 175 daily departures linking Houston to roughly 70 cities across North and Central America. The most popular domestic links are a mix of business corridors and sun destinations: Dallas Love Field, Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas and Orlando make up the top five. Internationally, Cancún, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta lead the pack, joined by Costa Rica’s San José and Liberia. Opened in June 1927, Hobby was Houston’s original commercial airport before George Bush Intercontinental took that role in 1969. Hobby handled 14,600,000 passengers last year, finally eclipsing its pre-pandemic high from 2019 — a milestone that came even before the latest influx of Southwest traffic.
Three other airports lost Southwest service the same day
Alongside Intercontinental, the carrier exited Bellingham, Washington; Syracuse, New York; and Cozumel, Mexico. Those cuts eliminated point-to-point hops such as Las Vegas–Bellingham, Baltimore–Syracuse and Houston Hobby–Cozumel. “In a prepared statement, Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said the network overhaul was necessary because ‘achieving our financial goals is an immediate imperative.’” Travelers in those smaller markets now need to connect on other airlines or drive to alternate gateways.
Fleet math behind the decision
Southwest remains the world’s largest Boeing 737 MAX operator, flying 257 MAX 8s configured for 175 all-economy seats each. The carrier has orders for another 149 of the same model plus 342 smaller MAX 7s, which will seat 148 passengers. Deliveries of the MAX 7 begin in 2026, but until then the airline must juggle an aging 737-800 fleet and a thinner-than-promised pipeline of new jets. United Airlines sits a distant second in MAX ownership with 226 aircraft, yet its backlog is larger: 120 more MAX 9s and 167 still-uncertified MAX 10s. Those figures matter because Southwest’s ability to restore—and grow—its network hinges on how quickly Boeing can hand over the metal.
What the move means for Houston flyers
For travelers, the most obvious change is airport choice. Hobby sits about 7 miles closer to downtown than Intercontinental and is often praised for quicker security lines. On the flip side, many northern-suburb residents now face longer drives or additional connections if they want Southwest’s famously flexible tickets and two-bag allowance.
- Ground transport: Hobby’s rental-car center and rideshare pick-ups are steps from baggage claim, but public transit options are limited compared with InterContinental's bus network.
- Parking: Hobby’s garages fill quickly during peak periods. Reserve ahead if your trip overlaps holidays or big conventions.
- Connections: If you previously booked Intercontinental–based connections, check your itineraries; some third-party sites have not updated airport codes for August onward.
- Elite benefits: Southwest’s Houston-based A-List flyers now enjoy shorter taxi times but may face more crowded gate areas until Hobby’s next expansion.
Looking ahead: revenue experiments and possible fees
Southwest’s single-class cabins and no-fee ethos have long stood out in the low-cost world, but analysts say that could change. Executives have hinted at paid seat selection as a new revenue stream, echoing policies already in place at several competitors. Any such rollout would likely start after additional MAX deliveries restore scheduling flexibility.
FAQ for travelers
When did Southwest stop flying at Intercontinental?
All flights ended on Aug. 4, 2024.
Can I still book Southwest through Houston?
Yes, exclusively via William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
How many flights does Southwest run from Hobby?
Up to 175 departures daily to about 70 destinations.
Does this affect Rapid Rewards points?
No; loyalty earnings and redemptions remain unchanged.
Bottom line for Jetsetter Guide readers
The airline that once split its Houston presence has gone all-in on the city’s smaller airport, a shift driven by financial headwinds and aircraft shortages. For travelers, that means embracing Hobby’s convenience—or rethinking which carrier best fits their itinerary until Southwest’s fleet, and finances, regain cruising altitude. — as Jordan said in a prepared statement.
