Southwest Airlines will begin nonstop service connecting Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston starting March 11, 2027. The new route will provide four flights per week, meeting a strong demand for direct travel between the Texas Panhandle and Houston.
Flight Schedule and Route Details
The nonstop service will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The route enhances connectivity for travelers flying between Amarillo and Houston by offering a fast, direct option. It links Amarillo directly to Houston’s Hobby Airport, facilitating easier access to Southwest’s extensive eastern U.S. network and gateways to the Caribbean and Latin America.
Southwest Airlines and Airport Officials Highlight Demand and Network 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 added that the service provides a convenient nonstop choice for travelers whether for business or leisure and improves access to key destinations.
Michael Conner, Director of Aviation at Rick Husband International Airport, noted that this route addition is demand-driven. He stated that adding four weekly frequencies reflects targeted expansion efforts and strengthens connections within Southwest’s growing network. Conner thanked Southwest for its continued investment in Amarillo.
Local Business Reaction and Economic Significance
Jason Harrison, President and CEO of the Amarillo
Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Southwest’s nearly 48-year presence in the region and expressed appreciation for the new Houston service. He emphasized the airline’s ongoing support in connecting travelers with important destinations and supporting regional growth.
Andreas Eckstein, President and CEO of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, called the Houston route a direct response to business community demands for access to a key market. He explained that the service facilitates business travel and opens Amarillo to new commercial opportunities.
Bruce Tarletsky, President and Managing Partner of Team Insight & Associates, praised the Taking Flight Amarillo initiative. He described it as an
effective, locally driven program that coordinates efforts among the airport, business community, and airline partners to promote airline route development in the region.
Existing Southwest Service and Network Integration
Southwest Airlines has served Amarillo for nearly 48 years. Besides the new Houston route, it currently operates nonstop flights from Amarillo to Dallas Love Field, Las Vegas, and Austin. The addition of Houston expands traveler options and improves connections to the carrier’s eastern U.S. hubs.
Southwest’s Longstanding Amarillo Presence and Local Industry Collaboration
Southwest’s long history in Amarillo demonstrates its commitment to the Texas Panhandle. The new nonstop flights to Houston advance this relationship by addressing community travel needs. The Taking Flight Amarillo program, now
in its 12th year, continues to unite stakeholders to support ongoing airline development and route expansion efforts for the region.
