Starting this fall, travelers flying out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will face fewer direct flight options. In the American Airlines news, the company has announced it will eliminate five nonstop routes from the airport, further reducing connectivity from Austin.

Routes Affected

American Airlines will discontinue nonstop flights to Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), New Orleans (MSY), Reno (RNO), and Palm Springs (PSP) beginning October 2024]. This decision is part of a series of American Airlines route reductions as the airline has been evaluating its network to optimize operations.

Previous Reductions

From the U.S. travel news last year, American Airlines announced plans to cut routes to 21 destinations, including Albuquerque, New Mexico; Memphis, Tennessee; Cincinnati, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri; and El Paso, Texas. The airline also canceled several international routes, including those to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Liberia, Costa Rica; and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.

Recent Cancellations

Since November, American Airlines has canceled 27 nonstop routes from Austin, affecting international destinations such as Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Liberia, Costa Rica. Earlier this month, the travel news announced that the airline is ending nonstop service between Austin and Indianapolis, effective August 6.

 

Despite these cuts, American Airlines still offers 17 nonstop flights from Austin to destinations including Boston and New York City. These options remain viable for travelers seeking cheap flights despite the reduced number of routes.

CEO Statement and Company Position

During a recent conference call, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom noted that the company has not met its expectations this year, despite reporting a record quarterly revenue of $14.3 billion.

 

The airline emphasized that it will continue to provide access to a comprehensive global network of more than 350 destinations with one-stop connections. In the latest news of American Airlines, the company has assured customers that they are being proactively contacted regarding the changes and has extended apologies for any inconvenience.

Strategic Adjustments

A spokesperson for American Airlines explained that reducing routes aims to increase seat capacity to several hubs from Austin this winter. These adjustments are part of the airline’s strategy to enhance business objectives and streamline operations.

Impact of Other Airlines

American Airlines’ announcement follows a similar move by low-cost carrier Allegiant Airlines, which recently reduced routes and closed its crew base at Austin airport due to terminal construction.

Austin Airport's Passenger Traffic

Despite these changes, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport achieved a record 22 million passengers in 2023. The airport is expanding its Terminal B and designing a new arrivals/departures hall.

Passenger Statistics

American Airlines flew more than 1.8 million passengers in and out of Austin in the first five months of this year, down from more than 2.1 million during the same period last year. The airline accounts for about 21% of passenger traffic in Austin, making it the second-largest carrier behind Southwest Airlines, a decrease from its 26% passenger share in 2022.

 

While American Airlines continues to refine its route network from Austin, travelers can still access a broad range of destinations through its one-stop connections. These adjustments reflect the company’s efforts to balance operational efficiency with customer needs.