Southwest Air Trims Growth Plans Amid Economic Uncertainty

Southwest Airlines Co. is reining in growth this year as volatility surrounding US trade policy chills consumer spending on air travel.

Flying capacity will be reduced in the second half to “accommodate a lower demand environment” and save costs, the carrier said Wednesday in a statement that also detailed first-quarter results. It now expects to increase flying by just 1% in 2025, the low end of its prior range that called for as much as 2% growth.