Delta Air Lines is increasing its route network from Austin once again as the Atlanta based carrier looks to go head to head against Southwest in the Texas capital.
Delta Adds Three New Routes From Austin
I feel like I write about Delta expanding in Austin at least once a quarter. Ever since the post pandemic travel boom, and the pullback by American Airlines, Delta has been growing service rapidly from the Central Texas airport. SkyWest even opened up a crew base at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to support the growth.
The three new routes from Austin take direct aim at Southwest, with Delta launching service to Denver (DEN), Columbus (CMH), and Kansas City (MCI). All flights will operate using Embraer E175 regional jet aircraft which feature Delta First, Delta Comfort and Delta Main seats.
Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta, said this about the expansion:
“With these new routes and expanded service, Delta is building on a strong foundation in Austin and creating more ways for our customers to get where they want to go. It’s another step in delivering the network, convenience and premium experience that sets Delta apart as Austin’s leading global carrier.”
Ghizlane Badawi, the airport’s Chief Executive Officer, added:
“This is another exciting investment in our community from Delta. We are so grateful for their partnership and shared mission of connecting Austin and Central Texas travelers to more nonstop destinations. We look forward to the continued collaboration with the airline, especially as we make progress on expanding and improving our airport.”
Denver will be the first new destination to launch, with service beginning November 9, 2025. Delta will operate the flight 2x daily with Delta Connection partner, SkyWest. Service to Columbus and Kansas City will begin on June 7, 2026 and will also be operated by SkyWest. Columbus will have one daily flight while Kansas City will operate 2x daily.
Two Existing Routes Get a Boost
Delta has clearly found something it likes in Austin as two existing routes are getting a boost. Beginning April 13, 2026, Delta will increase service to San Francisco (SFO) from one to two daily frequencies. This is intended to support growing demand between the two tech hubs on what has become a very competitive route.
Delta will operate the route using Airbus A319 aircraft which features Delta First, Delta Comfort and Delta Main seating.
Indianapolis (IND) is also getting a major boost with service increasing from 1x daily to 3x daily beginning June 7, 2026. This route is currently operated using Embraer E175 regional jet aircraft operated by SkyWest.
Delta is Making a Major Investment in Austin
Delta has been growing like crazy in Austin over the last few years. The carrier has been clamoring for gate space and is anxiously awaiting the new concourse that is currently under construction. Southwest is reportedly looking to be the anchor tenant of the new concourse, taking as many as 18 gates. This would leave the current Southwest gates in the main concourse up for grabs. While no decisions have been made, Delta is certainly positioning itself for growth.
Delta has already carried more than one million passengers to and from Austin this year, a 12% increase from 2024. The carrier has previously announced new and expanded service, including domestic flights to Palm Springs (PSP) launching in November, and service to Cancun (CUN) and Cabo San Lucas (SJD) launching in December.
Later this year, Delta will open a permanent, mainline, flight attendant base in Austin as it continues to ramp up operations. Texas Senator Ted Cruz (even though he’s a United guy) said this about the growth:
“This is fantastic news for the Lone Star State! Delta’s decision to open a flight attendant base and continue its expansion in Austin will open more travel choices for Texans, bring hundreds of good-paying jobs, boost local businesses, and further cement Texas as a national leader in economic growth and innovation. I am excited to see the opportunities this brings to our great state.”
My Thoughts
As an Austin resident and Delta frequent flyer, I couldn’t be more excited about the airline’s growth at my home airport. I always enjoy flying the airline out of Austin as they have one of my favorite Sky Clubs anywhere in the system.
I am curious to see how Delta manages this growth due to the space constraints currently present at the Austin Airport. 22 million passengers traveled through an airport designed for 15 million last year and that number will only go up.
With the South Terminal closing early next year to make way for the new concourse, ultra-low-cost carriers Frontier and Allegiant will also be moving in to the main terminal. With gate space already scarce, it will be interesting to see how flight schedules are managed.
Summary
Delta has announced another expansion in Austin, bringing its route total to nearly thirty! These new routes take direct aim at Southwest as the Atlanta based carrier continues to make inroads in the Texas capital.
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