Southwest Airlines adds Orlando flights as Little Rock Airport debuts $54M upgrades

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) is expanding its reach this year. The airport recently announced new nonstop flight options for travelers. It also completed $54 million in major facility upgrades. These changes aim to improve the overall passenger experience. Executive Director Suzanne Peyton shared these updates as the summer travel season nears.

Southwest Airlines is leading the recent growth in Little Rock. The carrier will start nonstop Orlando flights on June 6. This seasonal service will run through the month of August. Flights are scheduled to depart Little Rock at 11:10 a.m. daily. They will arrive in Orlando at 2:20 p.m. Southwest is also adding daily Nashville service starting March 5.

Expanded Airline Service

Other airlines are also increasing their local presence. Frontier Airlines will serve Orlando on select dates this March. Allegiant Air begins flights to Orlando Sanford in May. They will also offer seasonal service to St. Pete-Clearwater. American Airlines recently added daily routes to Phoenix as well.

The airport now hosts six major airlines. They offer nonstop service to more than 15 cities. These routes draw passengers from 62 different Arkansas counties. Officials are working to make these seasonal routes permanent.

Infrastructure and Passenger Upgrades

The $54 million investment covers several key areas. A new $4.1 million canopy is now finished. It features a modern glass and steel design. This structure protects travelers from rain and snow. It is located at the passenger drop-off zone.

Parking and roadway projects make up $21 million of the budget. Inside the terminal, passengers will find new carpets and lighting. New technology also improves flight displays and paging systems. These projects were completed in late January to help arriving guests.

Future Growth and Challenges

Little Rock saw 1.16 million passengers in 2025. This is slightly behind Northwest Arkansas National Airport. That regional rival saw 1.26 million travelers last year. To stay competitive, LIT is planning more long-term work. This includes a $96.3 million central utility plant.

These upgrades come during a partial federal shutdown. The Department of Homeland Security is currently affected. This includes TSA screening teams at the airport. However, airport officials say agents are still reporting to work. They remain committed to safe and efficient passenger movement.

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