Southwest's Pandemic‑Era Gate Gains Fade at Chicago and Houston

Southwest Airlines briefly expanded into two of the nation's busiest hubs during the pandemic. The carrier launched 20 daily flights into Chicago O’Hare on February 14, 2021, and re‑entered Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport the same year after a 16‑year absence. Both moves capitalized on emptied gates that were normally inaccessible to Southwest. Neither venture proved sustainable: Houston service was discontinued on August 4, 2024, and Chicago operations ended on June 4, 2024, at the same time the airline announced its exit from Washington Dulles. The brief tenure highlights how temporary gate availability can spur rapid expansion, yet long‑term viability depends on factors beyond short‑term market openings.