Southwest Airlines will begin daily nonstop service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica starting in 2026. The new route offers Austin travelers direct access to Costa Rica’s capital.
Delta Expands Austin International Services
Delta Air Lines, the second-largest carrier at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport behind Southwest, announced nonstop flights from Austin to Paris commencing March 27, 2027. The airline currently operates 32 routes from Austin and saw its passenger count increase nearly 15% from 2024 to 2025. Delta employs 3,200 people across Texas and has expanded its Austin presence by 900% over the last decade.
Delta is investing
in airport facilities including a new Delta Sky Club and plans for the first Delta One lounge outside a hub at Austin-Bergstrom.
Officials Cite Austin’s Growth Driving Airline Expansion
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi attributed the new Southwest route and Delta’s expansions to the region’s increasing market demand. Badawi said the Southwest service enhances Central Texans’ global access, including convenient connections to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Joe Esposito, Delta’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “As you’ve grown your city, we have taken notice of your trends — and we want to be a part of it.” Delta President Peter
Carter highlighted the company’s rapid growth in Austin and its expanding workforce in Texas.
Impact on Austin Travelers and Market Background
The introduction of Southwest’s daily nonstop flights to San Jose provides Austin residents with direct international travel options to Central America for the first time from their home airport. This route expands Austin’s global connectivity beyond existing offerings.
Austin’s rapid population and economic expansion have attracted increased airline investment. Delta’s growth and new facilities complement Southwest’s new Costa Rica service, reflecting airlines’ responses to Austin’s evolving travel demand.
