If you’re planning a trip to or from Newark, NJ, you might be wondering if Southwest Airlines, one of the most popular carriers in the United States, operates flights to this bustling metropolitan area. In this article, we’ll delve into the topic “Does Southwest Fly to Newark?” and provide you with a comprehensive guide to Southwest Airlines’ operations in Newark.

Does Southwest Fly to Newark?
No, Southwest Airlines does not fly to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as of August 2023. They discontinued their operations at Newark in 2019 to consolidate their area service at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
The reasons for Southwest’s decision to leave Newark were financial. The airline said that its financial results at the airport had fallen below expectations, and it had to “mitigate damages and optimize our aircraft.”
Southwest’s departure from Newark left a void in the low-cost market for flights to and from New York City. However, other airlines have since stepped in to fill the void, including Spirit Airlines, which acquired the takeoff and landing rights that Southwest had at Newark.
If you are looking to fly to Newark, there are still a number of airlines that offer service to the airport, including United Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways.
When Will Southwest Airlines Return to Newark Airport?
Southwest Airlines has not announced any plans to return to Newark Airport as of August 2023. However, there have been some rumors that the airline may be considering a comeback.
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reallocated 16 takeoff and landing slots at Newark Airport that had been held by Southwest. The DOT said that it wanted to make the slots available to low-cost carriers, and Southwest is considered to be a low-cost carrier.
It is possible that Southwest may be waiting to see how the new terminal at Newark Airport performs before making a decision about whether to return. The new terminal, Terminal A, is scheduled to open in December 2022.
If Southwest does return to Newark Airport, it is likely that the airline would focus on flights to and from smaller cities in the Northeast, such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. These are markets that Southwest has traditionally served well.
Only time will tell if Southwest will return to Newark Airport. However, the rumors and the DOT’s decision to reallocate the slots suggest that it is a possibility.
Now That Southwest Has Left Newark, What Are Your Options?
There are a few different options available to you now that Southwest has left Newark.
- You can fly with another airline that still offers service to Newark, such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, or JetBlue Airways. These airlines offer a variety of flights to Newark, including both direct and connecting flights.
- You can fly to a different airport in the New York City area, such as LaGuardia Airport or John F. Kennedy International Airport. These airports are both located closer to Manhattan than Newark, but they may be more expensive to fly into.
- You can take a train or bus to Newark. There are a number of train and bus lines that offer service to Newark from other parts of the New York City area.
The best option for you will depend on your budget, your schedule, and your preferences. If you are looking for the cheapest option, flying with another airline that still offers service to Newark may be the best choice.
If you are looking for the most convenient option, flying into LaGuardia Airport or John F. Kennedy International Airport may be the best choice. And if you are looking for the most scenic option, taking a train or bus to Newark may be the best choice.
What is the Closest Airport to New Jersey that Southwest Flies To?
As of August 2023, the closest airport to New Jersey that Southwest flies to is LaGuardia Airport (LGA). It is located in Queens, New York, about 56 miles from Trenton, New Jersey.
Other airports that Southwest flies to that are relatively close to New Jersey include:
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): 47 miles from Trenton, New Jersey
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY): 58 miles from Trenton, New Jersey
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): 78.5 miles from Trenton, New Jersey
- Stewart International Airport (SWF): 68 miles from Trenton, New Jersey
The best airport for you depends on your location in New Jersey and your travel needs. If you are flying from the central or southern part of the state, LaGuardia Airport may be the best option.
If you are flying from the northern part of the state, Philadelphia International Airport may be a better choice. And if you are flying from the eastern part of the state, Atlantic City International Airport may be the most convenient option. You can also check out websites like Google Flights or Kayak to compare prices and find the best flight for your needs.
In conclusion, Southwest Airlines does not fly to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as of August 2023. This is because Southwest left Newark in 2019 due to financial reasons. However, there are still a few options for travelers who want to fly Southwest to or from New Jersey. One option is to fly to LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Another option is to fly to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
It is possible that Southwest may return to Newark in the future. However, there is no guarantee of this. If you are planning to fly to Newark, it is best to check with Southwest to see if they have any plans to resume service to the airport.
FAQs
No, Southwest Airlines does not fly to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as of August 2023. They discontinued their operations at Newark in 2019 to consolidate their area service at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
Southwest Airlines has not announced any plans to return to Newark Airport as of August 2023. However, there have been some rumors that the airline may be considering a comeback.
The closest airport to New Jersey that Southwest flies to is LaGuardia Airport (LGA). It is located in Queens, New York, about 56 miles from Trenton, New Jersey.
Southwest Airlines left Newark Airport in 2019 due to financial reasons. The airline said that its financial results at the airport had fallen below expectations, and it had to “mitigate damages and optimize our aircraft.”