For travelers in Dallas, Southwest Airlines has long been synonymous with one airport: Dallas Love Field (DAL). It’s Southwest’s home turf, dominating 18 out of 20 gates. While their commitment to Love Field remains strong, the airline is also casting an eye towards a potential future at the sprawling Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). But the question remains: Does Southwest Airlines Fly To Dfw currently? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is no – at least, not yet.
The reason behind Southwest’s absence at DFW isn’t due to lack of interest, but rather a matter of legal and historical complexities. Until 2025, Southwest Airlines is restricted from operating flights from DFW Airport due to the Wright Amendment, a federal law established in 1979. This legislation was initially designed to protect the then-new DFW International Airport and limit traffic at Love Field, which was originally intended to be phased out.
Alt text: Southwest Airlines executive Ryan Green answering media questions at a press conference, discussing airline operations and strategy.
The Wright Amendment was born from a contentious battle between Dallas and Fort Worth regarding air travel in the region. The construction of DFW was a massive undertaking, intended to consolidate air traffic and serve as the primary airport for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. However, Southwest Airlines, a burgeoning low-cost carrier at the time, fought to maintain its operations at the more conveniently located Love Field. They argued for the accessibility and convenience of Love Field for Dallas residents, and ultimately, they prevailed in maintaining their presence there.
Over the years, Southwest carved out a successful niche at Love Field, capitalizing on its proximity to downtown Dallas and its own corporate headquarters located near the airport. Love Field became a cornerstone of Southwest’s identity and business model in North Texas. While other airlines operate at DFW, Love Field became almost exclusively associated with Southwest in the Dallas market.
However, the landscape is shifting. The restrictions imposed by the Wright Amendment are set to expire in 2025. This impending change opens up new possibilities for Southwest Airlines and its relationship with DFW Airport. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has publicly acknowledged the airline’s interest in establishing a “modest presence” at DFW, particularly in the context of the airport’s planned sixth terminal, slated to open by the end of 2026. These discussions are still in preliminary stages, with DFW Airport officials indicating that concrete decisions are not expected until 2024 at the earliest.
For Southwest, any expansion into DFW would need to be carefully considered in relation to its existing operations at Love Field. Current agreements stipulate that to gain space at DFW, Southwest would need to relinquish gates at Love Field – a proposition the airline has historically been hesitant to entertain. Maintaining their dominant position at Love Field remains a priority for Southwest, even as they explore opportunities at DFW.
In conclusion, while Southwest Airlines does not currently fly to DFW International Airport due to historical legal restrictions, this is poised to change in the near future. As the Wright Amendment era concludes in 2025, the possibility of Southwest flights at DFW is becoming increasingly real. Travelers in Dallas may soon have expanded choices when flying Southwest, potentially accessing both the convenience of Love Field and the broader network of DFW International Airport. The coming years will be crucial in shaping Southwest’s strategy in the Dallas market and determining the extent of their future presence at DFW.
