Southwest Airlines announced on October 2, 2026, that it will launch nonstop service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica, for summer 2027. The route will operate twice weekly on a seasonal basis from June 3 through August 2, 2027, according to Aviation Week.
Liberia is one of three entirely new international destinations Southwest is adding from Austin for summer 2027, alongside Nassau, Bahamas, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — all launching on the same June 3 start date. Business Travel News confirmed the Liberia route and described the schedule as operating on weekends.
None of the four new international AUS destinations Southwest is adding for 2027 — Liberia, Nassau, Punta Cana, and the previously announced San José, Costa Rica (launching March 13, 2027) — are currently served nonstop from Austin. Together with year-round service to Cancun and San José del Cabo, Southwest will operate seven international routes from AUS when the summer schedule is in full effect, compared with two in June 2026.
Southwest is the dominant carrier at Austin-Bergstrom with more than 40% of two-way seat capacity, according to OAG data cited by Aviation Week. The carrier opened a multi-million-dollar crew base at AUS earlier in 2026 and is developing its first passenger lounge there, targeted for late 2027.
Sources
- Aviation Week — Southwest Airlines Adds New International Routes From Austin
- Business Travel News — New Airline Routes October 2026 Updates
- Simple Flying — Southwest Unveils 3 New International Routes From This Major City
Sources & references (3)
Things to do at each end of the route
Top-rated tours & experiences in Austin and Liberia.