Southwest Airlines to end service at Chicago O'Hare

Airline cites operational challenges at O'Hare, will focus on Chicago Midway

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:27pm

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Southwest Airlines announced it will discontinue service at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport effective June 4, 2026. The airline cited ongoing operational challenges at O'Hare and said it will continue to serve the Chicagoland area through its long-standing operations at Chicago Midway Airport.

Why it matters

The move marks the end of Southwest's five-year experiment at O'Hare, one of the busiest airports in the United States. It signals a strategic shift for the airline as it doubles down on its established presence at Midway, where it has operated for over four decades.

The details

Southwest has operated flights out of O'Hare since 2021, offering service to 15 nonstop destinations. However, the airline said 'operating at Chicago O'Hare continues to be challenging,' leading to the decision to discontinue service there. All affected employees will have the opportunity to transfer to open positions across the Southwest network.

  • Southwest launched service at O'Hare in 2021.
  • Service at O'Hare will be discontinued effective June 4, 2026.

The players

Southwest Airlines

A major U.S. airline that has operated out of Chicago Midway Airport for over 41 years.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

One of the busiest airports in the United States, located in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Midway Airport

A major airport in Chicago, Illinois, where Southwest Airlines has maintained a long-standing presence for over four decades.

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What they’re saying

“Operating at Chicago O'Hare continues to be challenging, and we are confident we can serve Chicagoland through Chicago Midway.”

— Southwest Airlines spokesperson (Chicago Tribune)

The takeaway

Southwest's decision to exit O'Hare and focus solely on Midway Airport underscores the operational complexities of serving multiple major airports in the same metropolitan area. This move allows the airline to streamline its Chicago presence and double down on its long-standing success at Midway.