Southwest Airlines is changing its routes from Des Moines in 2026. See whats new.

The Des Moines International Airport will lose one vacation spot this spring when Southwest Airlines makes adjustments to its routes from Iowa’s capital metropolis.

But, service will return to Southwest’s authentic Des Moines vacation spot — Chicago’s Midway International Airport.

Des Moines airport officers are disenchanted to lose the St. Louis route, but said the change to Midway will offer passengers “an excellent gateway to the Northeast,” said Sarah Hoodjer, communications, advertising and marketing and air service development supervisor for the airport.

The transfer is half of Southwest’s community changes, which embody launching new service in Knoxville, Tennessee, and not Des Moines’ efficiency, Hoodjer said. The airport set an all-time document for passengers in June.

When will Southwest stop flying from Des Moines to St. Louis?

Southwest has flown from Des Moines to St. Louis Lambert International Airport since April 2016, a route that was a long-time request for business leaders and airport officers.

That route will end with a 3:20 p.m. flight on March 4, 2026. The ultimate incoming flight from St. Louis will land in Des Moines at 9:10 p.m. on March 4.

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When will Southwest start flying from Des Moines to Midway?

Southwest flew from Des Moines to Chicago from the airline’s arrival in Des Moines in September 2012 until it modified service to St. Louis in April 2016. American Airlines and United Airlines both offer direct flights between Des Moines and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Flights to Midway will happen twice daily, a Southwest spokesperson confirmed to the Register.

The first flight will take off from Des Moines at 5:35 a.m. on March 5, 2026.

Southwest’s online schedule reveals an early morning departure and an afternoon departure each day, although the occasions differ barely throughout March. Flights from Chicago will depart around mid-morning and in the night.

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What are Southwests other routes from Des Moines?

The airline is not planning discontinuing any of its other routes from Des Moines, a spokesperson said. It will add an further daily flight to Denver, Hoodjer said.

In addition to St. Louis, the airline at the moment flies from Des Moines to Denver and Las Vegas.

A seasonal nonstop flight between Des Moines and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will operate Sept. 28, 2025 through March 2026.

What other adjustments is Southwest making?

The route adjustments come at a time of vital change for Southwest. The provider is doing away with a number of distinctive options.

By the time the routes change, Southwest will no longer have its well-known open seating coverage. Passengers who buy in sure ticket classes shall be ready to selected their seat at the time of reserving for flights beginning, Jan. 27. Others shall be assigned a seat at check-in.

The airline also ended its two free bag coverage, instead charging $35 for a first bag and $45 for a second bag for any flights booked after May 27, 2025. Certain rewards program members or passengers who buy a Choice Extra ticket can still qualify for some free luggage.

Brian Smith is an viewers strategist and senior editor at the Des Moines Register. Contact him at bsmith@dmreg.com or 515-284-8214.

This article initially appeared on Des Moines Register: Southwest changing Des Moines airport routes in 2026