Delta Air Lines has made significant adjustments to its route network in Austin, Texas, a key focus city for the airline. As of November, two routes from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will be discontinued: Memphis International Airport (MEM) on November 1 and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) on November 16.
The cuts are a rare move for Delta at AUS, where the airline has experienced rapid growth since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline has added more than 20 new routes from the airport, with only two routes – to Valley International Airport (HRL) and Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) – proving unsuccessful.
Despite the route reductions, Delta continues to expand in AUS. The airline recently introduced new daily service to San Jose's Mineta International Airport (SJC) from October 6. Additionally, Delta signed a deal to lease 15 gates, up from four today, when the midfield Concourse B opens at AUS in the 2030s.
Delta's growth in AUS is driven by its commitment to relevance, according to Glen Hauenstein, the former president of the airline. "What makes customers choose Delta over a different carrier? I think the answer is relevance. If we're not relevant, we cannot acquire the SkyMiles [members], we cannot acquire the credit cards – the ecosystem – you have to have relevance," he said.
By expanding in AUS, Delta is creating relevance and bringing more people onto its planes and into its lucrative SkyMiles loyalty program. The airline's efforts to establish a strong presence in the state of Texas are particularly noteworthy, given its lack of a hub or base in the region.
Delta's expansion plans in AUS come as Southwest Airlines, the dominant carrier in the Texas capital, responds with its own growth initiatives. Southwest has opened a crew base in March and plans to add eight gates of its own for a total of 18, as part of the same terminal expansion that will benefit Delta.
Southwest has also announced plans to add new routes, including a return to Memphis International Airport (MEM) with six weekly flights beginning October 1. The airline will also introduce new Saturday-only flights to Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) in California and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, in October.
