Southwest Airlines will cease flight operations at 2 major U.S. airports starting June 4; key details here

The low-cost airline said it would stop flights to and from chicago O’Hare International and Washington Dulles International Airport A press release issued on Friday stated that international flights will begin on June 4, the New York Post reported.

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The airline will continue to offer an additional 271 flights to 79 destinations from two Washington-area airports. “As the Washington region’s largest airline by passenger volume, Southwest is committed to serving this important market,” the release said.

Southwest Airlines Co. began operating out of major O’Hare Airport in 2021, as the once smaller airline aims to compete with established carriers at Chicago’s largest airport. Since then, the company has experienced financial difficulties and discontinued its open-seating policy in an attempt to increase passenger revenue.

Competition for customers at O’Hare has escalated since the pandemic began, with United and American Airlines competing for customers, gate availability and departure slots. After O’Hare had a record year to regain the title of the busiest airport in the United States, the FAA is now threatening to impose flight caps, claiming the airport has reached its full capacity.

In January, the airline made major changes to its passenger policy, eliminating its long-standing open-seating practice.

The revised policy allows Southwest passengers to choose their seats, replacing the previous “free choice” arrangement.