Southwest Airlines Halts Hiring and Internships in Cost-Cutting Push

The airline pauses corporate hiring, promotions, and most summer internships as part of broader financial recovery efforts following investor pressure.

Southwest Airlines is pausing corporate hiring, promotions, and most summer internships to reduce discretionary costs, though existing internship offers will be honored.
The company is suspending its long-standing employee rallies, citing a focus on financial discipline and operational efficiency.
These measures follow months of pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which secured five board seats in a settlement last October.
Southwest has implemented additional changes to boost profitability, including introducing assigned seating, premium options, and overnight flights while cutting unprofitable routes.
Despite recent cost-saving efforts, Southwest's financial recovery lags behind competitors like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines.