Delta Air Lines announced nonstop service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) near Bentonville, Arkansas, beginning March 7, 2027. Flights will operate on Embraer 175 regional jets under the Delta Connection brand, with operations by SkyWest Airlines. Departure from Austin is scheduled just before 9 p.m. with return service leaving Northwest Arkansas the following morning on March 8.
Delta Expands Austin Focus City Operations
The new route is part of Delta’s accelerated expansion at Austin, which it designates as a non-hub focus city. Delta plans to increase departures from AUS to as many as 70 daily flights by March 2027, reflecting
rapid growth over recent years. Earlier this year, Delta announced beginning nonstop flights from Austin to Paris set to start in April 2027. Additional new services from Austin include routes to San Jose, Bozeman, and Cancun.
Northwest Arkansas’ Regional Importance
Northwest Arkansas National Airport serves Bentonville and is the closest airport for travelers from Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas within driving distance. The airport is also near Walmart’s corporate headquarters, which is a significant factor in Delta’s route choice. Delta currently operates flights to Bentonville from its five other hubs: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and New York LaGuardia. Airport flight movements at XNA
increased 28% over the last two years, indicating strong regional growth.
Delta Executives Highlight Business Focus in Austin
Joe Esposito, Delta’s chief commercial officer, said the airline aims to be “the business carrier of Austin” and is advancing quickly toward becoming the leading corporate service provider at the airport. Luis Guitart, Delta’s regional sales manager based in Austin, called the new nonstop route “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.”
Airport Competition and Infrastructure Developments
Southwest Airlines remains the dominant carrier at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, planning its
largest schedule from the airport in 2027. Delta is preparing to open a second, larger Sky Club lounge at AUS within the coming years to support its expanding operations. This expansion complements Delta’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in a high-growth aviation market.
