Globetrotter

Southwest Airlines Expands Service to San Juan, Puerto Rico

Published June 15, 2026

Southwest Airlines has launched a new nonstop flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Indianapolis and will add another from Columbus, Ohio, enhancing access to the island's attractions.

Southwest Airlines Adds New Routes to San Juan

Southwest Airlines has expanded its service to San Juan, Puerto Rico, by launching a new nonstop flight from Indianapolis and announcing another from Columbus, Ohio. The Indianapolis to San Juan service (https://www.caribjournal.com/2026/06/06/southwest-airlines-puerto-rico-flights-new/) began on June 6, operating on Saturdays through early August. This seasonal route is intended to improve access to San Juan's beaches, rainforests, and historic Old San Juan.

A new weekly flight from Columbus, Ohio, to San Juan (https://www.caribjournal.com/2026/06/06/southwest-airlines-puerto-rico-flights-new/) is scheduled to begin on January 9, 2027, and will continue through March 10, 2027. Tickets for this route are already available for purchase.

Economic Impact and Increased Tourism

These expanded routes are projected to generate approximately $2.3 million in economic impact and result in roughly 3,130 additional passenger arrivals at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (https://www.caribjournal.com/2026/06/06/southwest-airlines-puerto-rico-flights-new/). This growth is part of a broader trend of enhanced airlift for Puerto Rico, aiming to improve accessibility to popular attractions such as Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, Isla Verde Beach, and surrounding cays and reefs.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest Airlines launched a new nonstop flight from Indianapolis to San Juan on June 6, running Saturdays through early August.
  • A new weekly nonstop flight from Columbus, Ohio, to San Juan is scheduled to start on January 9, 2027, and conclude on March 10, 2027.
  • These new routes are expected to contribute approximately $2.3 million in economic impact to Puerto Rico.
  • The expansion is projected to bring around 3,130 additional passengers to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
  • The increased flight options aim to improve access for travelers to San Juan's diverse attractions, including historical sites, beaches, and natural parks.