Southwest Airlines is expanding to California’s Wine Country, adding Santa Rosa’s Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) to its route map in spring 2026. Beginning April 7, 2026, Southwest will launch nonstop flights from Santa Rosa to four destinations: San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver, and Burbank.
This will mark Southwest’s 14th destination in California, further strengthening the carrier’s already significant Golden State presence.
Andrew Watterson, Southwest’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that the move “provides more access to California’s famed Wine Country” for travelers and solidifies the airline’s commitment to California.
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New Nonstop Routes for Sonoma County
Travelers flying in and out of Sonoma County will gain four new nonstop route options on Southwest. The initial schedule and frequencies are as follows:
- Santa Rosa (STS) – San Diego (SAN): Daily service (with two flights on peak travel days).
- Santa Rosa – Las Vegas (LAS): Daily service.
- Santa Rosa – Burbank (BUR): Five days per week.
- Santa Rosa – Denver (DEN): Once weekly (Saturdays only to start).
The first flights are scheduled for April 7, 2026, and tickets were made available for purchase starting September 11, 2025.
Southwest’s arrival will make it the third airline serving STS (joining Alaska Airlines and American Airlines) , filling a gap in service left after budget carrier Avelo Airlines ceased operations at the airport in August 2025.
Gateway to California’s Wine Country
Located in the heart of Northern California’s world-renowned Wine Country, Santa Rosa’s airport is the only one offering scheduled commercial flights in the North Bay region.
By adding service here, Southwest is providing a convenient new gateway for visitors to reach Sonoma County’s vineyards and nearby Napa Valley without the longer drive from major airports in San Francisco or Oakland.
The Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, named after the Peanuts comic strip creator (a longtime Santa Rosa resident), even features playful Snoopy-themed decor commemorating its namesake – a charming first impression for arriving passengers.
Local officials have long sought expanded air service at STS, and the community greeted Southwest’s news with excitement. Airport Manager Jon Stout noted that Southwest has “long been a heavily requested carrier” in Sonoma County and said he’s proud to finally welcome the airline to the local “family” of carriers.
County leaders described Southwest’s arrival as “much requested” by residents , anticipating that the increased connectivity will boost tourism and business travel in the region.
Indeed, with these new flights, wine enthusiasts and other travelers from Southern California, Nevada, and Colorado can now fly straight into Wine Country, a development expected to bring more visitor spending to local wineries, hotels, and attractions.
More Options Beyond the Major Hubs
For travelers, the new routes mean more choices and fewer layovers. Instead of routing through a large hub or driving for hours, passengers from San Diego, Los Angeles (via Burbank), Las Vegas, and Denver can soon reach Sonoma County directly.
Conversely, North Bay residents will gain easier one-stop access to dozens of destinations across Southwest’s nationwide network by connecting at Las Vegas or Denver, rather than having to connect through San Francisco or other congested airports.
Southwest officials also point out that the Santa Rosa flights will link Northern California travelers to the brand-new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport and the expanded facilities at Hollywood Burbank Airport – offering a smoother travel experience at those gateways as well.
Southwest already operates more intra-California flights than any other carrier , and adding Santa Rosa further solidifies its intrastate network. In fact, Sonoma County will become Southwest’s 14th California airport, joining its roster of destinations that includes all major Bay Area airports and several other regional cities.
The additional service is expected to significantly increase STS’s passenger traffic (the airport handled about 382,000 departing travelers in 2024 ), underscoring the growing demand for flights directly into Wine Country.
Southwest’s Expansion and Local Impact
The move into Santa Rosa is part of a broader expansion strategy for Southwest in 2026. The airline has also announced plans to launch service to St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands), Knoxville, TN, and St. Maarten in the first half of 2026 , signaling an aggressive push into new markets.
By venturing into smaller, secondary airports like Sonoma County, Southwest is tapping into local travel demand and offering alternatives to hub-dominated routes. Industry-wide, such shifts reflect how airlines are diversifying their networks to reach more travelers directly.
For Sonoma County, Southwest’s arrival is a potential game-changer. The added flights not only restore connectivity lost after Avelo’s exit but also bring the marketing might of a major carrier to the region.
Tourism officials expect more visitors will take advantage of the easy flights to plan getaways in Wine Country, while local residents gain convenient access to Southern California and beyond. “We aren’t slowing down in our pursuit to provide Customers with more options than ever before,” COO Andrew Watterson said of the new service , and that rings especially true for travelers eyeing Northern California’s wine trails.
With Southwest’s new routes, getting to (and from) Napa and Sonoma will be easier than ever, illustrating how expanded airline service can open up a destination and benefit travelers and the local economy alike.