Delta Air Lines will start nonstop service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) near Bentonville, Arkansas, beginning March 7, 2027. The route will be operated as Delta Connection flights using Embraer 175 regional jets.
The outbound flight from Austin is scheduled to depart just before 9 p.m. local time, with the return flight departing Northwest Arkansas the following morning on March 8, 2027. Regional partner SkyWest Airlines will operate the service.
Delta’s Growth Strategy in Austin
Austin is one of Delta’s fastest-growing non-hub focus cities, with the airline planning up to 70 daily departures by March 2027. Delta has recently
expanded routes from Austin to international and domestic destinations including Paris, San Jose, Bozeman, and Cancun, reflecting its goal to become the leading corporate carrier in Austin.
Connecting to Walmart’s Headquarters
The Northwest Arkansas route connects Austin to Bentonville, home to Walmart’s corporate headquarters. This link offers important business travel benefits. Northwest Arkansas National Airport also serves nearby regions in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas, as well as the University of Arkansas, making it a relevant destination for both corporate and academic travelers.
Official Statements from Delta
Joe Esposito, Delta chief commercial officer, described Austin as a rapidly growing focus city where the airline aims to be the predominant
business carrier, stating, “We want to be the business carrier of Austin — we’re quickly moving in on the leading corporate carrier for Austin.” Luis Guitart, Delta’s Austin regional sales manager, said the new direct route exemplifies Delta’s ongoing investment in Austin and commitment to easing travel for residents.
Implications for Travelers and Competition at Austin
The new nonstop flight offers Austin travelers a convenient late-night departure and morning return to a key business and regional destination. The Northwest Arkansas airport has seen a 28% increase in total flights over two years, signaling robust demand. At Austin airport, Delta competes with Southwest Airlines, which plans its largest
schedule ever in 2027 and recently announced a new airport lounge. Delta also intends to open a second, larger Sky Club lounge at Austin in the coming years.
Delta currently serves Bentonville from five other hubs: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and New York LaGuardia, expanding connection options for business travelers using its growing Austin network.
