Southwest Airlines announced it will serve Newark Liberty International Airport with eight daily nonstops flights, six to Chicago Midway and two to St. Louis beginning Sunday, March 27, 2011. To celebrate its 72nd city, Southwest is offering introductory fares of $72 one-way between Newark and both Chicago and St. Louis. Fares are available for purchase through November 4 for travel from March 27, 2011, through May 25, 2011. The announcement is the first wave of the carrier's new schedule at Newark International. Southwest will announce additional Newark flights to begin in 2011 before the end of the year.
In addition to the eight daily nonstop flights to and from these cities, Southwest Airlines' new service will offer direct or connecting service to more than 45 destinations including: Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Houston, and San Diego. In August, Southwest Airlines announced its intent to serve Newark Liberty International through a lease deal with Continental Airlines contingent upon the closing of the already approved Continental and United airlines' merger, and certain governmental approvals. With this agreement, Southwest Airlines has the right to operate up to 18 daily roundtrip flights at Newark International.
This new Newark service will strengthen Southwest's presence in the New York area, with flights to several New York area airports, including LaGuardia and Long Island MacArthur Airport. Additionally, Southwest will integrate Newark service into its extensive national route network.