Southwest Airlines plans to reduce its Atlanta footprint next year, cutting service, staff and airport gates, the carrier confirmed to BTN.
CNBC originally reported the news.
Southwest in April will reduce the number of cities it serves from Atlanta to 21 from 37. While CNBC reported that the carrier would reduce its gates at Atlanta to 11 from 18, the carrier said it hadn't finalized that number with the airport, but confirmed there would be a reduction.
"We continue to optimize our network to meet Customer demand, best utilize our fleet, and maximize revenue opportunities," wrote a Southwest spokesperson. "Decisions like these are difficult for our Company because of the effects on our People, but we have a history of more than 53 years of ensuring they are taken care of."
As for staff, CNBC said reductions could reach up to 200 flight attendants and 140 pilots based on a company memo and separate pilots' union memo it reviewed. Southwest didn't confirm those numbers, but it said that less staff would be needed in Atlanta, and all employees will be given an opportunity to "transfer stations."
Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported the carrier warned employees of "tough decisions" to be announced in the "coming days" as the carrier works to restore profits and fend off the demands of an activist investor. Southwest's Investor Day takes place Sept. 26.
The latest report comes a day after the activist investor, Elliott Management, sent a second letter to Southwest shareholders saying it would call a special meeting in the coming weeks and possibly as soon as next week as it tries to replace Southwest's board and CEO Bob Jordan.
New Nashville Service
Meanwhile, Southwest on April 8, 2025, will add service between Nashville and six destinations, including intra-Tennessee service for the first time, the carrier announced Wednesday.
Southwest will add Nashville service for Albuquerque, N.M.; Albany, N.Y.; Jackson, Miss.; Memphis, Tenn.; Providence, R.I.; and Tulsa, Okla. Southwest last flew the Nashville-Albuquerque route on May 31, 1988, and the Nashville-Providence route on Nov. 5, 2011, according to the carrier.
Expanded Redeye Flights
Southwest also announced an expansion of its redeye offerings effective April 8, 2025, with overnight service from three Hawaiian airports to the U.S. mainland. Daily redeye service is schedule to launch from Honolulu to each Las Vegas and Phoenix, Kona to Las Vegas, and Kahului, Maui, to each Las Vegas and Phoenix, according to the carrier.