Southwest Cancels Flights at Chicago O'Hare and Washington Dulles Airports

Airline cites network refinement as it discontinues service at major hubs starting June 4

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Southwest Airlines has announced plans to discontinue service at Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) and Washington Dulles International (IAD) airports as of June 4. The airline says this is part of its ongoing efforts to refine its network, but it will maintain a robust presence at other airports in those regions, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Baltimore Washington International (BWI), and Washington Reagan National (DCA).

Why it matters

The move by Southwest is likely to frustrate frequent flyers who relied on the airline's service at these major hubs. It comes amid a series of changes at Southwest, including the end of its 'bags fly free' policy and the introduction of assigned seating and 'customers of size' policies, which have drawn controversy.

The details

Southwest says all affected customers have been contacted and offered the opportunity to rebook their flights or receive a full refund. Travel experts recommend that passengers booked to IAD can change their flights to BWI, DCA, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), or Richmond International Airport (RIC), while those booked to ORD can change to MDW, Indianapolis International Airport (IND), or Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE).

  • Southwest will discontinue service at Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) and Washington Dulles International (IAD) airports as of June 4, 2026.

The players

Southwest Airlines

A major U.S. airline that is discontinuing service at Chicago O'Hare and Washington Dulles airports as part of its network refinement efforts.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

A major airport in Chicago that will no longer be served by Southwest Airlines starting June 4, 2026.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

A major airport in the Washington, D.C. area that will no longer be served by Southwest Airlines starting June 4, 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Southwest says it will maintain a robust presence at other airports in the Chicago and Washington, D.C. regions, including Midway, BWI, and Reagan National. Affected customers can rebook their flights or receive a full refund.

The takeaway

Southwest's decision to discontinue service at Chicago O'Hare and Washington Dulles airports is part of the airline's ongoing efforts to refine its network, but it is likely to frustrate frequent flyers who relied on the airline's service at these major hubs. The move comes amid a series of changes at Southwest, including policy updates that have drawn controversy.