Southwest Airlines The Ditched World's Busiest Airport In 2026: Here's Why
A network rethink reshaped Southwest's Chicago presence, prioritizing Midway's higher load factors and stability.
By Aaron BaileyZimbabwe
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The world's largest low-cost carrier (or hybrid carrier, as many would argue) withdrew from the world's busiest airport for by flights (as opposed to passenger numbers) this year. Southwest Airlines said goodbye to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), as it shifted its focus to a more consolidated operation in the Windy City, with all flights now operating from Chicago Midway (MDW).
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About this article
- Length
- 61 words · 1 min read
- Published
- October 27, 2026
- Byline
- Aaron Bailey
- Source
- Simple Flying