Delta Air Lines announced plans to start nonstop service between Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas and Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) near Bentonville, Arkansas, beginning March 7, 2027. The route will be operated with Embraer 175 regional jets under the Delta Connection brand, with flights departing Austin just before 9 p.m. and return service from XNA commencing the following morning.
Delta’s Expansion at Austin Bergstrom International Airport
Delta has accelerated growth at AUS, aiming to establish Austin as a major focus city outside its hub system. By March 2027, the airline expects to offer up to 70 daily departures from the airport. The carrier recently
added its first nonstop transatlantic flights from Austin to Paris starting April 2027, alongside new routes to U.S. destinations including San Jose, California; Bozeman, Montana; and Cancún, Mexico.
Business and Regional Connectivity between Austin and Northwest Arkansas
The new nonstop route links Austin to Bentonville, home to Walmart’s corporate headquarters. The Austin departure time facilitates late-evening departures, enabling convenient connections for business travelers. Northwest Arkansas National Airport serves not only Bentonville but also travelers to the University of Arkansas and nearby states such as Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas, all within driving distance.
Delta Officials Emphasize Business Travel Commitment
Luis Guitart, Delta’s Austin-based regional sales manager, described the new service as an example of Delta’s ongoing
investment in Austin. “This new direct route is another example of Delta’s continued investment in Austin and our commitment to making it easier for Austinites to get where they want to go as we continue growing alongside this important community,” Guitart said. Delta chief commercial officer Joe Esposito added, “We want to be the business carrier of Austin — we’re quickly moving in on the leading corporate carrier for Austin,” highlighting the airline’s focus on business travel in the market.
Market Competition and Airport Facility Expansions
Southwest Airlines remains the dominant carrier at Austin Bergstrom International Airport and plans to offer its largest schedule in 2027.
Southwest will also introduce one of its first airport lounges at AUS that year. Meanwhile, Delta is preparing to expand its Sky Club facilities at Austin with a larger lounge planned to support its growing presence.
Growth at Northwest Arkansas National Airport
The new Delta service arrives amid significant growth at Northwest Arkansas National Airport, which has recorded a 28% increase in total flight operations compared to two years ago. Apart from Austin, Delta serves Bentonville from five other hub airports: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and New York’s LaGuardia Airport. This expansion supports regional travel demand across Arkansas and neighboring states.
