Southwest Airlines will begin nonstop flights between Knoxville, Tennessee, and Las Vegas, Nevada, starting March 13, 2026. The new service will operate on Saturdays and Sundays from McGhee Tyson Airport.
Flight Details and Competition
The nonstop Southwest flight between Knoxville and Las Vegas is scheduled to take approximately four and a half hours. Currently, Southwest offers connecting flights with one or two stopovers on this route. Allegiant Airlines already operates nonstop flights from Knoxville to Las Vegas, providing travelers with an existing direct option.
Background on Southwest’s Knoxville Operations
Southwest Airlines entered the Knoxville market about a year before July 2026. The addition of nonstop flights to Las Vegas
follows significant demand and negotiations between the airline and McGhee Tyson Airport. Southwest is the newest carrier at the airport, joining Allegiant, American, Avelo, Delta, Frontier, and United among others serving McGhee Tyson.
Impact for Travelers and Official Statements
Knoxville travelers will benefit from a faster option to reach Las Vegas without the need for layovers. Basic fare prices for a direct Southwest flight in late March 2026 are listed at $573.80, compared to $458.41 for a one-stop connecting flight with the same routing. Chris Perry, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson, said, “Southwest loves having Knoxville on our map, and we look forward to connecting another destination
to it.” Becky Huckaby, spokesperson for McGhee Tyson Airport, noted strong enthusiasm for Southwest’s presence in Knoxville.
Other New Route Announcements at McGhee Tyson Airport
In addition to Southwest’s new service, United Airlines announced nonstop flights from Knoxville to Newark, New Jersey. Allegiant Airlines has added flights from Knoxville to Gulf Shores and Sarasota. Avelo Airlines plans seasonal service between Knoxville and New Haven, Connecticut. These developments indicate expanding air travel options at McGhee Tyson Airport.
