Southwest Airlines launching new San Diego route & revives Austin-Jacksonville service

Southwest Airlines said last week that it is expanding its network of routes by adding new nonstop flights, such as a new route between Fresno and San Diego International Airport and reviving a popular connection between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Jacksonville.

The new routes are set to launch in October, in a strategic move to expand the airline’s footprint in key markets.

San Diego network growing

Starting October 2, travelers flying from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) will enjoy daily nonstop service to San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Southwest Airlines said in a press release that "with the anticipated opening of a new terminal at the San Diego International Airport, Southwest Airlines® will see several seasonal routes return to the schedule beginning Oct. 2, 2025. The carrier will also begin daily nonstop flights the same day between San Diego and Fresno, Calif., and increase service between San Diego and Tampa, Fla., to Thursdays through Mondays from once a week on Saturdays."

Here are the flight details according to Southwest's booking platform for the Fresno-San Diego route:

Fresno Airport Expansion Boosts Southwest's Central Valley Presence

This new addition marks a significant expansion for Southwest in Fresno, where the airline already operates direct flights to Las Vegas, Denver, and seasonal service to Dallas.

With this new route, San Diego will become the fourth destination served by Southwest Airlines from Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

This comes as the airport in Fresno is undergoing significant expansion, with the new terminal expected to be finished in the fall of 2025, according to the airport.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport's Director of Aviation, Henry Thompson, expressed his excitement in a press release about the new route and emphasized Southwest's expanding presence in the Central Valley and dedication to the area.

"The additional San Diego service operated by Southwest Airlines demonstrates the airline’s confidence in our market and is timely with the excitement and growth occurring at FAT including the anticipated completion of the new terminal expansion in fall 2025." Thompson said.

Strengthens its Austin hub

Additionally, starting on October 2, Southwest Airlines will resume service from Austin to Jacksonville. This route will run every day of the week except Saturday.

In the past, Southwest provided this service as a seasonal flight from September to November 2023.

A few months after Delta Air Lines declared its intention to join the market in May 2025, the route was resurrected, putting more pressure on the city-to-city link from competitors.

Here is a closer look at the flight schedules for the Austin-Jacksonville route:

This also helps Southwest's ambitions to grow, which include adding flights from Austin to Milwaukee and Reno in March 2025.

Seasonal international service announced

Aside from the domestic expansion, Southwest said that it would begin offering new seasonal international service in March 2025, which will include nonstop flights from Nashville Airport to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.

With an emphasis on linking important hubs throughout the US and abroad, the airline keeps expanding its selection of services for both business and leisure passengers.