WICHITA, KS — A new, popular destination is coming to Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), as Southwest Airlines is ending flights from the city to one U.S. city while adding a new, highly anticipated route. The airline has confirmed it will discontinue its nonstop service to St. Louis (STL) but will begin daily flights to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
The new twice-daily flights to Chicago Midway are set to begin on March 5, 2026. This change is part of a broader network reshuffling by Southwest, aiming to create better connectivity across its system. For Wichita travelers, the shift from St. Louis to Chicago is expected to offer significant benefits, providing access to over 75 connecting destinations through Midway that were not available via the St. Louis hub.
The last day for the nonstop service to St. Louis will be March 4, 2026. A spokesperson for the airline stated that the move is part of a strategy to improve connections and streamline routes. While some travelers who frequently flew to St. Louis will need to find alternative arrangements, airport officials and travel experts are touting the new Chicago route as a net positive for the region. The addition of the Chicago Midway flight also creates more competition on the route, as Chicago is now served nonstop by three different airlines from Wichita, potentially leading to more options and lower fares for Kansas travelers.
