Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is set for significant growth as Southwest Airlines announces four new nonstop routes launching in October. The expansion includes year-round service to Memphis, departing Oct. 1 with six-day weekly flights, and seasonal routes to Destin, Florida (Oct. 3), Knoxville, Tennessee (Oct. 3), and Santa Rosa, California (Oct. 3). Destin and Santa Rosa mark Southwest’s debut nonstops for AUS, while Knoxville currently serves Allegiant Air. The AUS-Memphis route replaces Delta’s previous service, which Southwest now fully assumes.

This move aligns with Southwest’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence at AUS, where it already dominates with 41% of 2025 passenger traffic. The new routes add to five previously announced services starting March and June. The airline also plans a crew base at AUS by March, expected to create 2,000 jobs and solidify its operational hub status. Southwest’s anchor role in AUS’s future Concourse B terminal—set to open around 2030—further underscores its commitment to the market.

The expansion reflects Southwest’s focus on connecting Austin to key domestic destinations, particularly in the Sun Belt. By replacing Delta’s AUS-Memphis service and introducing new routes to leisure destinations like Destin and Santa Rosa, the carrier aims to capture both business and vacation travelers. This aligns with Austin’s growing population and its status as a tech and tourism hub.

With these additions, Southwest reinforces its position as the largest airline at AUS, enhancing connectivity while competing with regional rivals. The 2,000-job crew base and terminal investments signal long-term confidence in Austin’s aviation market, ensuring sustained growth for both the airline and the city’s economy.