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McAllen is getting new air service to Austin starting in April.
Delta Air Lines announced Friday that it will begin three daily flights to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport starting April 22. The airline previously tried offering flights between McAllen and its main hub in Atlanta, as well as service to Memphis which began with Northwest Airlines before its merger with Delta.
The former routes to Atlanta and Memphis were operated on regional jets of about 50 seats. Delta’s announcement Friday did not specify what size jets the airline will utilize on the new routes.
Tickets for the McAllen to Austin flights will be bookable starting Saturday, a news release said.
“This route will connect our McAllen community with business, educational opportunities, and family and friends, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said. “This new convenient nonstop service to the Texas’ capital was much needed, and we are proud to operate this air service in Spring of 2024.”
The new flights are part of Delta’s efforts to expand service in Texas as American Airlines cuts 21 routes out of Austin.
Eric Beck, managing director for domestic network planning at Delta, said the carrier is adding 11 additional flights in Austin beginning April 22.
“What this really shows is that our commitment to Austin has never been stronger,” Beck said. “We’ve been on a journey at Austin for several years to build our presence there putting in more flights, better products and services.”
Delta’s new flights out of Austin also include three daily flights to Nashville and Midland-Odessa. Delta also offers seasonal service between Harlingen and its hub in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The new Delta flights come on the heels of McAllen’s announcement of new service on Aeromexico to the Mexico City area starting Feb. 1.
But it’s not just Austin where the carrier plans to grow in the Lone Star State.
“Texas as a state is fast growing and we see a lot of positive economic development in Texas,” Beck said.
DFW International Airport will also get additional flights to Boston, LaGuardia and new flights to Seattle. The flights to Seattle will begin in July, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium, with two daily flights. Dallas Love Field will also get additional flights to Los Angeles and Atlanta, two destinations the airline services out of the airport, according to Beck.
Houston Hobby and El Paso will also receive more flights to Delta’s hub in Atlanta.
With the return of Delta, McAllen will be served by all three U.S. legacy carriers on a year-round basis.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with the full version.
