Southwest Airlines announced on Wednesday that it will begin nonstop flights to St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) starting April 7, 2026, marking its first new international destination since 2021. The daily service will connect St. Maarten with Orlando International Airport (MCO), with additional weekend flights to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) commencing shortly thereafter.
- Southwest Airlines Expands Caribbean Network
- St. Maarten: A Dual-Nation Caribbean Gem
- Airline Industry Context and Passenger Demand
- Details of the New Flights and Scheduling
- Partnership with EVA Air: New Horizons for Southwest
- Economic and Tourism Implications for St. Maarten
- Future Outlook and Industry Challenges
Southwest Airlines Expands Caribbean Network
The Dallas-based carrier extended its flight schedule through June 3, 2026, and disclosed plans to broaden its international footprint with a new partnership agreement with Taiwanese airline EVA Air. Southwest’s latest international expansion strategically adds St. Maarten, a prominent Caribbean destination, to its roster of tropical locations aimed at leisure travelers.
“St. Maarten is a stunning destination that offers unique cultural heritage alongside world-class beaches,” said Southwest Airlines spokesperson Maria Levesque. “We are excited to connect more travelers to the vibrant island while enhancing our presence in the Caribbean.”
Southwest’s new service will operate daily flights between Orlando and St. Maarten beginning April 7. Just two days later, the airline will introduce weekend peak service to Baltimore/Washington, further increasing accessibility for passengers along the U.S. East Coast.
St. Maarten: A Dual-Nation Caribbean Gem
The island of St. Maarten is divided into two territories: the southern Dutch constituent country of Sint Maarten and the northern French overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located on the Dutch side, is internationally renowned for its unique proximity to Maho Beach, where arriving aircraft notoriously fly only meters above sunbathers—a spectacle popular on social media and travel blogs alike.
St. Maarten’s tourism economy relies heavily on air connectivity, cruise tourism, and vibrant hospitality sectors. Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the island has made steady recovery efforts, with tourism numbers rebounding significantly.
Dr. Carla Munoz, an aviation analyst with the Caribbean Tourism Organization, noted, “Southwest’s entry into St. Maarten marks a positive development for the island’s tourism sector. Increased direct flights from major airports like Orlando and Baltimore will facilitate greater visitor inflow, benefiting local businesses and the broader economy.”
Airline Industry Context and Passenger Demand
Southwest Airlines is known primarily for its domestic U.S. operations and competitive low-cost fares. However, it has incrementally expanded into the international market over recent years, focusing on the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. The addition of St. Maarten represents a targeted move to capture growing demand for leisure travel amid sustained post-pandemic recovery.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Caribbean air travel passenger demand has increased by approximately 28% year-over-year as of early 2025, driven by rising tourist arrivals from North America and Europe. Southwest’s decision aligns with broader industry trends toward restoring and expanding international routes to popular resort destinations.
Details of the New Flights and Scheduling
Flights from Orlando to St. Maarten will operate once daily starting April 7, 2026, offering travelers from Florida and connecting states convenient access to the island’s resorts and beaches. The Baltimore service will initially run on Saturdays and Sundays, targeting weekend leisure travelers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Both Orlando and Baltimore airports offer extensive connecting flight options, thereby enhancing St. Maarten’s connectivity to over 50 U.S. cities via Southwest’s domestic network.
“We’ve carefully designed the schedule to meet the needs of weekend travelers and holidaymakers, with competitive fares and flexible booking options,” Southwest said in a statement.
Partnership with EVA Air: New Horizons for Southwest
In conjunction with the St. Maarten route announcement, Southwest revealed a new codeshare partnership with Taiwan-based EVA Air, allowing customers access to a broader array of international destinations from U.S. gateways starting later this year. This partnership underscores Southwest’s ambition to increase its global reach while leveraging its strong footprint within the U.S. market.
Travel industry consultant James Whitfield explained, “Collaborations like this are critical for airlines wanting to offer seamless international travel experiences without the costs of operating long-haul flights themselves.”
Economic and Tourism Implications for St. Maarten
Tourism remains the backbone of the St. Maarten economy, accounting for nearly 80% of its GDP and a significant share of employment. The introduction of direct, low-cost flights from major U.S. airports is expected to stimulate visitor numbers, particularly from the family and leisure segment traditionally served by Southwest.
Local business leaders have welcomed the announcement. “More direct flights mean more visitors, higher hotel occupancy rates, and increased spending across our tourism and retail sectors,” commented Camille Peters, CEO of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association. “This is a major boost as we continue our post-pandemic economic recovery.”
Future Outlook and Industry Challenges
While the expansion is promising, experts caution about potential challenges. Issues such as fluctuating fuel prices, seasonal demand variability, and the ongoing impacts of climate change-related weather events pose risks to Caribbean aviation and tourism.
Nonetheless, Southwest’s cautiously optimistic approach reflects confidence in the sustained appeal of Caribbean destinations. With 2026 bookings now open, the airline aims to capture a significant share of travelers seeking affordable and convenient access to sun-soaked islands.
The extended schedule through mid-2026 and the addition of St. Maarten showcase Southwest’s evolving strategy to balance domestic strength with selective international growth in a competitive and ever-changing aviation landscape.
For travelers interested in booking flights or learning more about Southwest Airlines’ new Caribbean offerings, additional details are available on the airline’s official website.
For further information and detailed strategies, visit resources such as PGN Business Insider
