Southwest Airlines will start nonstop service from Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport to Las Vegas on March 13, 2027. The flights will be available on Saturdays and Sundays, providing direct weekend travel between East Tennessee and Nevada.
Flight Details and Competition
The nonstop journey from Knoxville to Las Vegas will take about four and a half hours. Allegiant Airlines currently offers nonstop service on this route, presenting passengers with an alternative for non-stop travel. As of July 17, 2026, a one-way nonstop basic fare on Southwest costs $573.80, while options with one-stop each way to the same destination are priced at $458.41.
Airline Presence and Regional Growth
Southwest Airlines began
serving McGhee Tyson Airport roughly one year prior to this announcement, following local demand and negotiations for nonstop routes. Airport spokesperson Becky Huckaby reported strong enthusiasm for Southwest’s arrival in Knoxville. The airport has seen growth from multiple carriers, including United Airlines, which announced nonstop flights from Knoxville to Newark on July 16, 2026. Allegiant added routes to Gulf Shores and Sarasota, while Avelo Airlines introduced seasonal flights between Knoxville and New Haven, Connecticut, illustrating expanding connectivity at the airport.
Airline Commitment to Knoxville
Chris Perry, Southwest Airlines’ spokesperson, said by email, “Southwest loves having Knoxville on our map, and we look forward to
connecting another destination to it.” The new nonstop Las Vegas flights mark Southwest’s commitment to increasing direct access for Knoxville travelers.
