Southwest Airlines announced nonstop flights between Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) and William P. Hobby Airport in Houston (HOU) starting March 11, 2027. The flights will operate four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Flight Schedule and Existing Routes
The new Amarillo-Houston route complements Southwest’s current nonstop services from Amarillo to Dallas Love Field, Las Vegas, and Austin. This addition enhances connectivity in the Texas Panhandle and links to Southwest’s eastern U.S. network through Hobby Airport.
Official Statements on Route Expansion
Catherine Rylee, Senior Network Planning Analyst at Southwest Airlines, stated, “We’re excited to deepen our presence in Amarillo by adding Houston to our route map.”
She added, “Whether traveling for business or leisure, this new service gives customers a convenient nonstop option while further enhancing access to other top destinations.”
Michael Conner, Director of Aviation at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, said, “Adding four weekly frequencies to Houston reflects the kind of demand-driven expansion we work toward with all of our carrier partners.” He also stated, “AMA’s growth depends on route additions like this one.”
Economic and Community Impact
Jason Harrison, president and CEO of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, noted, “Southwest has been a vital supporter of our community for nearly 48 years.” He added, “We’re thankful that
Southwest continues to find new ways to serve our travelers and getting them to the places and moments that matter most to them.”
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 also said, “No matter the reason for travel, we’re grateful for our strong relationship with Southwest.”
Bruce Tarletsky, president and managing partner of Team Insight & Associates, highlighted the Taking Flight Amarillo program’s role: “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.” Taking Flight Amarillo is in its 12th year supporting regional airline collaboration.
Benefits for Travelers
The new nonstop service provides passengers in the Texas Panhandle with multiple weekly options to fly directly to Houston Hobby Airport. This enhances connections to Southwest’s gateway and onward travel to the
Caribbean, Latin America, and the eastern United States, reducing travel complexity.
