Delta Air Lines will begin nonstop flights from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), near Bentonville, Arkansas, on March 7, 2027. The service will be operated using Embraer 175 regional jets from Delta’s regional partner SkyWest.
Departures from Austin will occur late in the evening, just before 9 p.m., with return flights from XNA starting the following morning on March 8, 2027. This schedule aims to serve business and leisure travelers connecting these key markets.
Route Connects Austin to Walmart Headquarters and Regional Markets
The Northwest Arkansas National Airport serves Bentonville, home to Walmart’s corporate headquarters, offering a direct link for Austin-based travelers. The
airport also provides access to surrounding regions in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas through short drives, broadening the catchment area for this route.
Delta’s Expansion Strategy at Austin Focus City
Delta has identified Austin as one of its fastest-growing focus cities and has expanded service rapidly in recent years. This includes launching new nonstop routes to Paris, San Jose, Bozeman, and Cancun. The airline aims to operate up to 70 daily departures from Austin by March 2027, reflecting its commitment to the market without designating AUS as a hub.
Delta Officials Highlight Commitment and Passenger Benefits
Luis Guitart, Delta’s Austin-based regional sales manager, stated, “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.” Delta Chief Commercial Officer Joe Esposito said, “We want to be the business carrier of Austin — we’re quickly moving in on the leading corporate carrier for Austin.”
Market Context: Austin Airport and Competition
Southwest Airlines remains the dominant carrier at Austin Bergstrom International Airport, planning its largest schedule ever for 2027, including opening its first airport lounge. Delta plans to open a second, larger Sky Club lounge at Austin in the coming years, enhancing passenger amenities as part of
its growth strategy.
Growth at Northwest Arkansas National Airport
Northwest Arkansas National Airport has experienced a 28% increase in total flights in 2026 compared to two years earlier, according to Cirium aviation analytics. Delta currently serves Bentonville with nonstop flights from five hub airports: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and New York LaGuardia (LGA), making the addition of the Austin route a strategic expansion.
