Airlines across the United States are doing their very best to add excitement and enthusiasm with new flights. The major U.S. carriers have announced exciting additions in recent days. American Airlines is on the verge of its first-ever flight to an underrated destination in Mexico, Puerto Escondido. The flight is set for December.

However, that excitement has been tainted by the government shutdown, as the likes of American Airlines and other carriers continue to exceed 1,000 flight delays.

It has been a similar story for Southwest Airlines. The airline has been praised for its on-time performance in recent years. However, during the shutdown, the carrier is typically at the top of the list of worldwide delays.

Here's a closer look at Southwest's performance throughout the weekend, along with a new flight announced out of Las Vegas.

Southwest Airlines Once Again Exceeded The 1,000 Mark For Flight Delays During The Weekend

It was a busy Sunday, October 12, 2025, with delays and cancellations across the United States. Total delays within, into or out of the United States hit 7,539. The number is definitely worrying as the government shutdown continues.

According to the date from FlightAware, Southwest Airlines was once again at the very top of the list worldwide in terms of delays, with 1,381. The airline has exceeded the 1,000 mark several times during the government shutdown.

On Sunday, the Southwest Airlines delays impacted 31% of its flights.

On a brighter note, cancellations were low for the airline, hitting six total.

How The Other U.S. Carriers Performed

There was only one other airline worldwide that exceeded the 1,000 mark for flight delays, like Southwest Airlines, and that was American Airlines, with 1,092 delays impacting 30% of its flights.

Delta Air Lines placed third worldwide with 809 delays. What was more problematic for Delta was its cancellations, which hit 43 on Sunday, the most of any U.S. carrier.

United Airlines was also in the top ten for delays, hitting 606 for the day, along with 15 flight cancellations.

As for delays ranked by airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport led the way on Sunday, with delays affecting 55% of its flights, resulting in 381 delay disruptions.

Most U.S. Airport Flight Delays On Sunday, October, 12, 2025

John F Kennedy Intl: 381

Chicago O'Hare Intl: 341

Hartsfield-Jackson Intl: 273

LaGuardia: 241

Denver Intl: 227

It was a quiet start on Monday morning, without any significant delays piling up around the United States, currently at 482 total.

However, the longer the government shutdown goes, the more problems airlines will start to run into.

Southwest Airlines Is Bringing Back The Las Vegas To Cancun Route

Southwest Airlines did make a positive announcement just a couple of days ago, bringing back a beloved flight four years later. The move isn't too surprising as Southwest Airlines continues to boost its frequency out of Las Vegas.

The only nonstop flight between Las Vegas and Cancun is set to start on June 4, 2026.

The timing could not be any better for travelers, as the flight operations resume just ahead of the World Cup.

The nonstop flight will carry 175 passengers, and will operate on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, according to Riviera Maya News.

Once again, the new flight will strengthen Mexico's tourism even further while boosting its economy during what looks to be a very busy 2026, especially in the summer during the World Cup.

What Southwest Airlines Has Said About Its Delays And Newest Route

Southwest Airlines has taken two different approaches to flight disruptions and new routes. For the ongoing uncertainties during the government shutdown, Southwest Airlines hasn't said anything publicly.

Instead, the airline has kept things positive with its staff, while issuing a warning of what is to come.

The airline told its employees to "remain vigilant in ensuring operational reliability." However, the airline says the delays and cancellations are "manageable."

As for its newest flights, Adam Decaire, Senior Vice President Network Planning and Network Operations Control at Southwest Airlines, is excited about what 2026 has in store.

"In designing our summer 2026 schedule, we examined industry trends and identified locations - like Las Vegas, Orlando, and San Diego - where we are able to provide Customers more choices when they're booking travel."

He concluded, "We're boosting service in locations where we've always had a strong presence to offer customers even more service than ever before in those cities."

Those in Las Vegas can also enjoy other new flights to Mexico, including Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, all part of the June 2026 expansion.

Southwest Airlines' Flight Disruptions Overshadow The Return Of A Popular Route After Four Years