Delta Air Lines is reshuffling its service footprint, discontinuing the Austin–Midland (AUS–MAF) route and dramatically expanding operations from Austin with a mix of new domestic and international destinations.
Major Route Cancellation: Austin–Midland Ends
Beginning November 9, 2025, Delta will permanently cease flights between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Midland International Air and Space Port. Citing persistently low passenger numbers—load factors below 60%—Delta has deemed the route commercially unsustainable and opted to reallocate capacity elsewhere.
While this marks a loss of direct service for Permian Basin travelers, Southwest Airlines will continue its nonstop operations between Austin and Midland, ensuring that essential connectivity remains. Midland airport officials have confirmed that ongoing expansion and renovation projects will proceed, and city leaders reaffirm their commitment to finding new air service options.
Analysts suggest the Midland route may have initially served strategic purposes—helping Delta maintain gate access in Austin—but ultimately failed to meet demand benchmarks.
Strategic Route Expansion from Austin
In contrast to the cutback, Delta is dramatically boosting its presence in Austin. Three new nonstop routes will be launched:
- Denver (DEN) – service begins November 9, 2025, operating twice daily on Embraer 175 aircraft.
- Columbus, Ohio (CMH) – once-daily flights launch June 7, 2026.
- Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) – twice-daily service also commences June 7, 2026.
Existing routes are being expanded as well:
- San Francisco (SFO) increases from one to two daily flights, starting April 13, 2026, on Airbus A319 aircraft.
- Indianapolis (IND) grows from one to three daily flights, beginning June 7, 2026.
These aircraft—Embraer 175s—offer a more comfortable ride with modern interiors and cabins including Delta First, Comfort, and Main.
Enhancing International Connectivity
Delta is also adding seasonal international routes:
- Cancún (CUN) and Cabo San Lucas (SJD) service begins in December 2025.
- Palm Springs (PSP) seasonal flights launch this November.
Bolstering Local Infrastructure and Market Presence
Delta will solidify its operations further by opening a permanent flight attendant base in Austin this October—signaling a long-term commitment to the region.
Meanwhile, Austin-Bergstrom Airport is preparing for significant expansion. The City Council is reviewing a 10-year lease agreement that would enable a new concourse of at least 20 additional gates, boosting nonstop route capacity. Southwest aims to lease up to 18 of these gates, while Delta’s growth also underscores the need. If approved, construction could begin in 2026.
What It Means for Travelers and the Region
For travelers, the end of Delta’s Austin–Midland route reduces direct options, but Southwest continues to fill the void. With Midland officials actively pursuing new airline partners, regional access may improve in the future.
Meanwhile, Delta’s expanded Austin network opens doors to key leisure and business destinations—both domestically and internationally. Whether heading to Denver’s Rockies, Kansas City’s cultural hubs, or tropical escapes in Mexico, travelers have more choices than before.
From an economic standpoint, Delta’s strategic focus indicates confidence in Austin’s travel growth, despite regional shifts. The airline’s 12% year-over-year passenger increase emphasizes importance of the market.
Summary Table: Delta’s Austin Route Changes
| Action | Route/Details | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation | Austin ↔ Midland | November 9, 2025 |
| New Nonstops | Denver (×2 daily) | November 9, 2025 |
| Columbus (1 daily), Kansas City (×2 daily) | June 7, 2026 | |
| Expanded Service | San Francisco (×2 daily) | April 13, 2026 |
| Indianapolis (×3 daily) | June 7, 2026 | |
| New Seasonal Int’l | Palm Springs (Nov season), Cancún & Cabo (Dec) | November & December 2025 |
| Infrastructure | Flight attendant base in Austin | October 2025 |
| Airport Expansion | New concourse (20+ gates), lease agreement pending | Starting 2026 if approval granted |
Delta’s network reconfiguration—from route cancellations to aggressive expansion from Austin—reflects a deliberate shift toward optimizing routes with strong demand. For Central Texas travelers, the mix of loss and gain delivers both challenges and exciting new options ahead.
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