Southwest Airlines will begin nonstop flights between Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston starting March 11, 2027. The service will operate four times weekly: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Route Details and Network Expansion
This route adds to Southwest’s existing nonstop services from Amarillo to Dallas Love Field, Las Vegas, and Austin. The new Houston service links Amarillo passengers to Southwest’s eastern U.S. network via Hobby Airport, enhancing connectivity to major markets including the Caribbean and Latin America.
Officials Cite Community Demand and Benefits
Catherine Rylee, Senior Network Planning Analyst at Southwest Airlines, said: “We’re excited to deepen our presence in Amarillo by
adding Houston to our route map.” She noted the route provides a convenient nonstop option for business and leisure travelers. Michael Conner, Director of Aviation at Rick Husband International Airport, stated: “AMA’s growth depends on route additions like this one,” adding: “Adding four weekly frequencies to Houston reflects the kind of demand-driven expansion we work toward with all of our carrier partners, and this service to Houston Hobby gives our travelers even stronger connections into Southwest’s growing network.”
Local Business and Economic Impact
Jason Harrison, president and CEO of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, said: “Southwest has been a vital supporter of our community for
nearly 48 years.” He expressed gratitude for the airline’s continued investment benefiting local travelers. Andreas Eckstein, president and CEO of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, remarked: “Southwest’s new Houston service directly supports what our business community has been asking for — added access to a key market which serves both as a destination for conducting business and as an easy link to other markets, while also opening Amarillo to welcome business travelers and opportunities.” He added, “No matter the reason for travel, we’re grateful for our strong relationship with Southwest.”
Regional Collaboration Through Taking Flight Amarillo
Bruce Tarletsky, president and managing partner of Team Insight &
Associates, highlighted the Taking Flight Amarillo program, now in its 12th year, as a locally driven initiative coordinating aviation growth efforts. He said: “In my role as liaison between the airport, the business community, the region, and our airline partners, I see firsthand how a locally driven initiative can bring people together around what’s best for Amarillo and its airline partners.”
Southwest Airlines has supported Amarillo for nearly 48 years. The new nonstop flights to Houston starting March 11, 2027, mark an expansion that improves travel options for the Texas Panhandle region.
