Travel News Update
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, and recently it has become the battleground of a fierce battle between two aviation giants: American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. In a stunning reversal, Delta has now emerged as the second-largest carrier at the airport after Southwest Airlines, the number one player.
This blog takes a closer look at how Delta managed to expand, what it means for consumers, and how this competition is transforming air travel in Austin, Texas.
Delta’s Big Leap in Austin
American Airlines held the number two position at AUS for many years. Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, American held fast while other airlines pulled back. But Delta has been growing aggressively since 2023 and in April of 2025 officially took the lead by carrying over 302,000 passengers, compared to 298,500 for American.
This is the first time that Delta has carried more passengers than American at Austin airport—and it’s a big story in the airline industry.
What’s Fueling Delta’s Growth?
Delta’s expansion at AUS is not coincidental. It’s the result of good planning, increased nonstop flight options, and aggressive route building. Among Delta’s new routes are:
- Cancun, Mexico
- San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
- Palm Springs, California
- Orlando, Florida
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Nashville, Tennessee
The majority of these cities had been served by American Airlines previously but were dropped from their routes. Delta saw an opportunity and moved quickly to capitalize on the gap.
Delta still serves major U.S. cities year-round, including:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Cincinnati
- Detroit
- New York (JFK)
- Los Angeles
- Minneapolis/St. Paul
These additions provide customers with additional non-stop options for business and leisure travel, one of the major reasons Delta has been expanding in Austin.
Why Is American Airlines Losing Ground?
While Delta has been expanding, American Airlines has been contracting. American has cut over 35 nonstop routes out of Austin since the beginning of 2023. Some of those routes are to more popular locations like the Bahamas, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.
By trimming its offerings, American has become less competitive at AUS, and customers are turning to Delta’s longer list of destinations instead.
The Numbers Behind the Change
January to April 2025:
- Southwest Airlines carried 2.6 million passengers, leading the market with over 41% market share.
- American Airlines carried 1.1 million passengers (17.4% market share).
- Delta Air Lines took a second place at 1 million passengers (16.1% market share).
- Although the difference between American and Delta is tiny, the trend shows that Delta is growing while American shrinks in Austin.
Top Routes from Austin
Some of the most busy routes out of Austin are:
- Atlanta (Delta, Southwest, Frontier)
- Denver (Southwest, Frontier, United)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (American Airlines only)
Atlanta remains the most convenient destination, and this works in favor of Delta greatly as it is one of the airline’s hubs.
What This Means for Travelers
Delta’s expansion results in more options, more nonstop routes, and more convenience for travelers. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or traveling on business, having more options enables you to better choose schedules and prices.
Delta’s expansion also offers better service and additional new routes to places you might not have otherwise considered. For business travelers, more connectivity to major cities like Austin, Boston, New York, and Los Angeles is a huge plus. Tourists desire additional new routes to beach destinations in Mexico.
What’s Next for Austin Air Travel?
Austin is one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, and its airport is reaping that boom. Airlines are competing harder than ever for space and passengers.
- Delta is investing in growth.
- American Airlines may have to redo its Austin plan.
- Southwest remains the dominant carrier, but pressure is mounting.
With increasing demand for air travel, more airlines will come forward with new routes into and out of Austin. International routes could also increase, offering travelers even greater reasons to book flights from AUS.
Final Thoughts
Delta Air Lines as the second-biggest carrier at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is more than just a numbers game—it’s a sign of how aviation in Texas is changing. From shrewd route planning, relentless expansion, and focus on both business and recreational sectors, Delta has become the colossus of Austin skies.
Travelers will have more choices, more nonstop flights, and better connections to look forward to thanks to this ongoing airline rivalry. And while Delta’s dominance is remarkable, competition really only just started to get hot—making it a battleground to watch for people flying into or out of Austin.
