In an effort to reconnect the Heartland to the Windy City, Southwest Airlines will resume its nonstop services from Indianapolis International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport, come August 5, 2025. As reported by FOX59, this marks the return of a key route following a hiatus of almost five years, with twice-daily, year-round flights.
While other carriers serve nonstop flights to O'Hare, Southwest stakes a claim on being the only provider of nonstop journeys from Indianapolis to Midway. This exclusivity, as Mario Rodriguez, the executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, told WTHR, highlights the 52nd nonstop destination out of IND and is "another win for our community partners."
Flying into Midway provides Indiana residents with greater access to Southwest's network. According to Maggie Cunningham, IAA director of air service and airport experience, "Chicago Midway gives Hoosiers more access to Southwest’s destinations across the United States and beyond enabling easier travel for both business and leisure needs," as stated in communications obtained by FOX59. Additionally, Southwest plans to expand its offerings with a new daily nonstop flight from Indianapolis to Nashville starting March 6, 2025.
Alongside the introduction of these routes, Southwest Airlines is also gearing up to change its boarding procedures. Currently recognized by their first-come, first-serve seating model, the company will transition to an assigned seating policy by 2026, with sales for assigned seats commencing in late 2025. According to information from IndyStar, A-list rewards members will soon enjoy the privilege of selecting standard seats at booking time and upgrading to extra legroom seats without additional cost 48 hours before the flight.
