At a Glance
- Southwest and Delta add 11 new routes to Austin in 2026.
- 2,000 new jobs expected from airport expansion.
- Alaska Airlines will drop its San Francisco service on Jan. 6.
Why it matters: These moves boost travel options, create jobs, and shape Austin’s future as Texas’s busiest hub.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is poised for a busy 2026, with Southwest and Delta announcing a flurry of new routes, a city-wide job-creation push, and Alaska Airlines ending its San Francisco service.
New Routes for 2026
Southwest and Delta will launch a mix of seasonal and year-round nonstops, many of which are first-time services for the airport.
- Southwest – Fort Myers, FL (seasonal, new to AUS)
- Southwest – Palm Springs, CA (seasonal, existing)
- Southwest – Steamboat Springs, CO (seasonal, new to AUS)
- Southwest – Cincinnati, OH (year-round, existing)
- Southwest – Seattle, WA (seasonal, existing)
- Delta – Columbus, OH (year-round, existing)
- Delta – Kansas City, MO (year-round, existing)
- Delta – Bozeman, MT (seasonal, new)
- Delta – Destin, FL (seasonal, new)
- Delta – Kalispell, MT (seasonal, new)
| Airline | Destination | Service Type | New to AUS? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Fort Myers, FL | Seasonal | Yes |
| Southwest | Palm Springs, CA | Seasonal | No |
| Southwest | Steamboat Springs, CO | Seasonal | Yes |
| Southwest | Cincinnati, OH | Year-round | No |
| Southwest | Seattle, WA | Seasonal | No |
| Delta | Columbus, OH | Year-round | No |
| Delta | Kansas City, MO | Year-round | No |
| Delta | Bozeman, MT | Seasonal | Yes |
| Delta | Destin, FL | Seasonal | Yes |
| Delta | Kalispell, MT | Seasonal | Yes |
Alaska Airlines will end its San Francisco service on Jan. 6, a route also served by Delta, Southwest, and United.
Airline Competition and Airport Growth
Southwest and Delta are vying for a larger footprint at the airport, with Southwest accounting for about 41% of passengers this year and Delta about 18%.
The city council approved an incentive program with Southwest that could create 2,000 new jobs. Delta opened a new flight-attendant base in October, staffing 125 attendants as part of a strategic move.
James Lundy, president of Campbell-Hill Aviation Group, stated:
> “Our goal, ultimately, is to move Austin ahead of the list of possible alternatives or choices for new routes.”
> “We want to maintain and support all incumbent domestic service, especially new ones that start.”
Top 10 Domestic Markets Without Nonstop Service
- Honolulu, HI
- Hartford, CT (Bradley International)
- Richmond, VA
- Boise, ID
- Louisville, KY
- Norfolk, VA
- Savannah, GA
- Buffalo, NY
- Birmingham, AL
- Albany, NY
Priority International Destinations
- Amsterdam, NL
- Beijing, CN
- Dublin, IE
- Paris, FR
- Seoul, KR
- Shanghai, CN
- Tokyo, JP
Key Takeaways
- Southwest and Delta will launch 11 new routes, many first-time services for Austin.
- The airport’s expansion could add 2,000 jobs and solidify Austin as Texas’s busiest hub.
- Alaska Airlines will drop its San Francisco service on Jan. 6, altering the city’s connectivity.
Austin’s 2026 plans promise expanded travel options and economic growth, positioning the airport for a pivotal role in Texas aviation.
