Southwest Airlines has advised travelers that it will discontinue operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), effective June 4, 2026. The decision marks a strategic shift in the airline’s network, concentrating service at nearby hubs where Southwest already maintains a major presence.
According to a company travel advisory, flights to, from, or through O’Hare and Dulles will continue as scheduled through June 3, 2026. After that date, all service at both airports will cease. Customers with existing reservations affected by the change will have three main options: travel before the cutoff date, rebook through alternate airports, or request a refund.
For Chicago-area travelers, Southwest recommends rebooking through Chicago Midway (MDW)—the carrier’s long-standing regional hub—or nearby airports in Milwaukee (MKE) and Indianapolis (IND). In the Washington region, alternate airports include Reagan National (DCA), Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Philadelphia (PHL), and Richmond (RIC).
The airline stated that passengers holding tickets on or after June 4 are eligible for no-fee changes or refunds, including non-refundable fares and optional add-ons such as extra legroom or priority boarding.
While Southwest first entered O’Hare in early 2021 to expand access in the Chicago market, the move back to Midway-only service reflects renewed focus on operational efficiency and cost control. The airline emphasized that travelers with bookings before the end-of-service date “do not need to take any additional action.”
Full details on rebooking, refunds, and vacation package changes can be found in Southwest’s online Help Center.
