Southwest Airlines, despite a year of major shifts including ending its “Bags Fly Free” and traditional open seating policies, has confirmed one constant: its commitment to Dallas Love Field. The airline has agreed to a 12-year extension to remain at its longtime home airport until at least 2040.
Southwest has operated from Dallas Love Field for over 50 years, maintaining its presence despite the airport’s smaller size compared to nearby Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. On Wednesday, Southwest and the Dallas City Council announced the extension deal.
According to The Dallas Morning News, Southwest will pay roughly $5 million annually to operate at the city-owned airport. This revenue is earmarked for significant infrastructure upgrades over the next decade, aimed at enhancing passenger experience.
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan emphasized the airline’s deep roots and ongoing mission: “Our first flight took off from Love Field in 1971, and our purpose today is just as fulfilling — to connect people to what matters most with friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.”
He added, “The capital investments under this new agreement will help ensure our home at Love Field remains a premier airport with enhancements to the customer experience for years to come.”
While Southwest is undergoing a massive transformation in its policies and branding, its long-term stay at Dallas Love Field provides a steady foundation for the airline’s future.
