Delta Air Lines filed plans over the weekend prior to November 2, 2026, to launch nonstop service between Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas and Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) near Bentonville starting March 7, 2027. This route connects Austin directly to northwest Arkansas, home to Walmart’s corporate headquarters.
Service will be operated on a Delta Connection Embraer 175 regional jet by SkyWest Airlines. Flights will depart Austin just before 9 p.m., with the return flight from Northwest Arkansas scheduled for the next morning on March 8, 2027.
Delta’s Growth Strategy in Austin
Delta is rapidly expanding its presence in Austin as a focus
city, aiming to operate up to 70 daily departures by March 2027, according to Delta Chief Commercial Officer Joe Esposito. While not designating Austin as a hub, Delta is growing nonstop flights to key business and leisure destinations, including launching first nonstop flights to Europe.
Strategic Connection to Walmart Headquarters
The new AUS-XNA route provides direct access to Walmart’s headquarters region near Bentonville and to surrounding areas in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas within a short drive. Additionally, Northwest Arkansas National Airport is the closest airport for travelers to the University of Arkansas. Delta also currently serves Bentonville from five hubs: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake
City, and New York LaGuardia.
Delta Leadership on Austin Investment
Luis Guitart, Delta’s Austin-based regional sales manager, emphasized the route as part of Delta’s ongoing investment in Austin, stating, “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.” Joe Esposito said, “We want to be the business carrier of Austin — we’re quickly moving in on the leading corporate carrier for Austin.” He also noted the remarkable boom in the market and the growing itinerary connections through Austin, while stopping short of hub designation.
Competitive Context and Facility Expansion
Southwest
Airlines remains the largest carrier at Austin Bergstrom International Airport and plans its largest schedule ever for 2027, including the opening of one of its inaugural airport lounges at AUS. Delta is preparing to open a second, larger Sky Club lounge at Austin in the coming years to support its expanded operations. Northwest Arkansas National Airport will see a 28% increase in total flights this year compared to two years ago, reflecting strong regional air travel growth that supports Delta’s new service.
