Southwest Airlines’ plans for its first-ever mass layoff is not expected to include labor cuts or changes to operations at BWI Marshall Airport.

Dallas-based Southwest said Monday it plans to slash its workforce by about 1,750 jobs, nearly all of which are expected to be corporate and leadership positions, by the end of the second quarter. The layoffs represent about 15% of corporate jobs, including senior leadership and directors, the airline said.

Southwest employs more than 5,200 people at BWI, but a spokeswoman said Tuesday no impact is expected at the airport.

“This announcement affects corporate and non-contract employees and has no effect on any Southwest operations,” said Alyssa Foster, a spokeswoman.

The CEO of the 72,000-employee airline called Monday’s decision “unprecedented” in its 53-year history. Southwest has been known for keeping costs low but also avoiding mass layoffs, even during the pandemic and recessions when competitors made cuts.

“We are at a pivotal moment as we transform Southwest Airlines into a leaner, faster, and more agile organization,” said Bob Jordan, president and CEO, in a company announcement.

BWI Marshall Airport is the busiest hub for Southwest on the East Coast. In 2023, Southwest flew 18.3 million passengers at BWI.

In October, Southwest announced its summer 2025 schedule update, including several new transcontinental flight additions for BWI. Starting June 5, Southwest will add nonstop service between BWI Marshall and six west coast markets: Long Beach, San Francisco, San Jose and Ontario in California; Seattle, Washington; and Portland, Oregon.

The airline operates at 117 airports across 11 countries and says it carries more passengers flying nonstop within the U.S. than any other airline. It served more than 140 million passengers last year.

The company expects its restructuring will cut costs, with an estimated partial year 2025 savings of about $210 million and savings next year of about $300 million.

The plan to streamline operations includes eliminating the jobs of 11 senior leadership positions, vice president and above.

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