DALLAS— Southwest Airlines (WN) is initiating discussions with its pilots and flight attendants as it considers a significant expansion into new international markets.
The Dallas-based carrier has invoked contract clauses with both the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) and TWU Local 556 to begin negotiations on terms that would support flying to destinations well beyond its current network, PYOK exclusively reported.
Photo: Jeffrey S.S | PexelsDelta Eyes International Expansion
Southwest Airlines formally notified TWU Local 556, which represents tens of thousands of flight attendants, that it wants to negotiate a side agreement for international operations. A similar move is underway with SWAPA, the union representing the airline’s pilots.
The talks focus on working conditions that would need to be adjusted for longer routes, including duty hours, minimum rest requirements, and incentive pay for select destinations.
These agreements are critical because the existing contracts were primarily written for Southwest’s domestic network, with only limited provisions for international flying to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Southwest entered the international market in 2014 after decades as a domestic-only airline. Despite this shift, its international reach today remains modest compared to major U.S. competitors.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrFuture Routes and Global Ambitions
Southwest has already revealed plans to launch nonstop service to Iceland (KEF) in 2026. Chief Executive Bob Jordan has also stated that the airline is evaluating a much broader international network that could stretch into Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
To prepare for this, Southwest has submitted paperwork with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to secure permission to operate flights to any nation covered by an Open Skies agreement with the United States. These agreements reduce regulatory barriers, making it easier for airlines to expand across borders.
The United States maintains such agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and Thailand, among others, giving Southwest a wide pool of potential new destinations.
Photo: Tim | FlickrFleet Limitations Pose Challenges
While Open Skies treaties unlock opportunities, Southwest’s current fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft poses restrictions.
The 737 can serve some near transatlantic routes from the U.S. East Coast but is not designed for longer-haul flights to Asia, Africa, or deeper into Europe.
If the airline commits to a global strategy, it may have to reconsider its long-standing single-aircraft-fleet model and explore the acquisition of widebody jets capable of covering longer routes. This would mark a fundamental shift in Southwest’s operating philosophy.
Photo: IcelandairElliott Management’s Influence
Behind these moves is Elliott Management, an activist investor that has pushed Southwest to rethink its business model. Elliott secured seats on the airline’s board and is urging leadership to adopt strategies more in line with legacy U.S. carriers.
Several traditional Southwest hallmarks are already disappearing. The airline has announced the end of its “Bags Fly Free” policy and will phase out open seating next year.
Additionally, Southwest is forging interline partnerships, including agreements with Icelandair (FI) and China Airlines (CI), allowing passengers to book seamless international connections.
These steps suggest a broader shift from the carrier’s traditional low-cost, point-to-point strategy toward one more aligned with global competition.
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