- Southwest Airlines announced it will cut 15% of corporate jobs, approximately 1,750 roles, in an effort to reduce costs.
- Despite the cuts, Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport officials remain optimistic about Southwest’s future in the region.
- Southwest returned to the Jackson airport in 2021 after a seven-year absence.
It was just a few months ago when Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport learned that Southwest Airlines would be adding an additional flight to Nashville.
Then came the news this week as Southwest Airlines announced it would cut about 15% of corporate jobs, or about 1,750 roles, as the U.S. budget carrier looks to reduce costs and streamline its organizational structure.
The reduction also includes leadership positions, Southwest said, adding it would eliminate 11 senior leadership roles — which represents 15% of the company’s senior management committee.
“This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history … We are at a pivotal moment as we transform Southwest Airlines into a leaner, faster and more agile organization,” said Bob Jordan, Southwest CEO.
However, officials at the Jackson airport are still bullish on the future of Southwest in Central Mississippi.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
“(Jackson Municipal Airport Authority) has not received any formal notification or communication from Southwest Airlines regarding any service changes or disruptions at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport that may result from their recently announced layoffs,” LSherie Dean, director of communications, marketing and public relations for JMAA, told the Clarion Ledger. “JMAA remains in close contact with airline representatives to stay abreast of any relevant information that may affect service. We encourage travelers to monitor Southwest Airlines’ official channels for the latest information.”
Still rolling:Reports of iconic MS restaurant’s death are exaggerated. Jackson eatery still going strong
Best bourbon in Mississippi:Best bourbon in Mississippi? There might only be one real choice. Get the details
New flights from Nashville
Six new nonstop Southwest Airlines flights will take off from Nashville starting in the Spring — including one to Jackson.
The flights to Jackson as well as Memphis, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Albany, N.Y.; Providence, Rhode Island.; and Tulsa, Oklahoma, will begin on April 8, 2025.
Last May, Southwest adjusted flights that cut the number of options at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers Airport.
At the time, Southwest reduced its daily flights in Jackson to four. However, it maintained service to all of its markets of Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Houston and Orlando. The adjustment represented a change from their usual five-to-seven daily flights.
Southwest Airlines’ bumpy ride in Jackson
In 2021, Southwest returned to the Jackson airport, following a seven-year absence.
It had been serving Jackson area and Mississippi for 17 years prior to its departure in 2014.
Newest layoffs for Southwest Airlines
The latest problems for Southwest are expected to impact corporate leadership more than rank-and-file workers. The layoffs, which the company expects to complete substantially by the end of the second quarter, are estimated to net $210 million in savings this year and full-year savings of $300 million in 2026.
Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at [email protected] or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.