Southwest Airlines will begin offering flights from McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, starting March 5, 2026, marking a significant expansion for the airport. The airline will provide twice-daily service to Nashville and daily roundtrip flights to Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando, bringing its reputation for low fares and flexible travel options to the region.

As the seventh carrier to join McGhee Tyson, alongside Allegiant, American Airlines, Avelo, Delta, Frontier, and United, Southwest’s arrival follows a year of rapid growth for the airport, which saw nearly 3.3 million passengers in 2025, making it the fastest-growing major U.S. airport in 2024.

This growth aligns with Knoxville’s increasing population and the airport’s decade-long, $700 million expansion plan to enhance infrastructure. Southwest’s addition comes after recent policy changes, including the end of its Bags Fly Free policy in May 2025 and a shift to assigned seating starting January 27, 2026.

The airport now offers direct flights to over 30 U.S. cities, including Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, and Orlando, further solidifying its role as a key hub for the Knoxville Metropolitan Area and nearby destinations like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.