Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is set to expand its nonstop flight offerings in 2026, introducing new routes primarily aimed at leisure travelers. As major airport expansion projects progress, the number of available seats for sale is projected to increase by nearly 9% in the first quarter compared to the previous year, according to airport data.
A significant driver behind this growth is Southwest Airlines, ABIA’s largest carrier, which has announced plans to establish a crew base in March. This move will facilitate a higher volume of flights, with the airline expected to offer up to 132 daily departures during the peak summer months, marking a record high for the airport. In a statement, airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi emphasized the benefits to the traveling public, particularly in terms of reliability during busy periods and adverse weather conditions.
Airport Expansion and New Services
As part of a broader initiative to enhance airport capacity, several construction projects are set to commence in early 2026. The renovation of Checkpoint 3, which has been in progress for nearly two years, is expected to reopen with additional TSA screening lanes and ticket counters. Additionally, an 80,000 square foot expansion at the west end of the Barbara Jordan Terminal will introduce three new gates, along with amenities such as a children’s play area.
The airport is also moving forward with plans to close and demolish the South Terminal, which currently serves low-cost carriers like Allegiant and Frontier. Following an $88 million legal settlement, the city of Austin will remove the existing terminal to make way for new taxiways and an expanded concourse expected to feature at least 20 gates by the early 2030s. Allegiant has announced it will transition to the Barbara Jordan Terminal in February, while Frontier is expected to follow suit.
Another critical upgrade includes a new outbound baggage handling system, which has been activated ahead of schedule for $241 million. This system is designed to process over 4,000 bags per hour, significantly reducing the potential for flight delays.
Expanding Flight Options and Challenges
Despite the promising expansion, ABIA will face challenges due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has struggled to maintain staffing levels at the Austin tower, resulting in increased ground delays. Travelers may experience longer wait times as the number of flights increases without a proportional rise in controller availability.
Southwest Airlines is set to launch several new nonstop routes, including seasonal service to Hayden/Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Fort Myers, Florida, both starting on March 7, 2026. Other notable additions include daily flights to Cincinnati beginning on June 4, 2026 and the return of seasonal service to Seattle, which has not operated nonstop from Austin since 2018.
Delta Air Lines, the second-largest carrier at ABIA, has also announced new nonstop services. This includes routes to Columbus, Ohio, and Kansas City, Missouri, both starting on June 7, 2026. Additionally, Delta will continue its flights to Cancún, Mexico, and expand service to popular destinations like Bozeman and Kalispell in Montana.
Frontier and Allegiant, two airlines operating from the South Terminal, are expected to reduce their schedules in early 2026 due to increased fees associated with their move to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Allegiant will maintain flights to cities such as Asheville and Sarasota through February, while Frontier will suspend service to several cities, including Cleveland and Cincinnati.
American Airlines will also contribute to increased flight offerings, including special nonstop flights to Augusta Regional Airport during the Masters Tournament and to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby in late April.
In a notable addition to international travel, Lufthansa is launching its new Allegris service from Austin to Frankfurt, with flights scheduled to begin in January 2026. This premium offering allows travelers to choose from multiple high-end seat configurations, providing a luxurious option for those willing to invest significantly in their travel experience.
As airlines adjust their routes and capacities, passengers at ABIA can expect a diverse range of destinations and services in 2026, enhancing the travel experience from Austin. The airport’s ongoing expansions and upgrades aim to ensure that travelers enjoy a more efficient and comfortable journey as the region continues to grow.