Delta plans to utilize Austin as a base for connecting itineraries within Texas. 

To kickstart the strategy, Delta will begin serving the Texas markets of Midland-Odessa and McAllen on April 22, launching thrice-daily service from Austin to both airports. 

The move is intended to enhance Delta’s position in Texas, where it lacks a hub or major focus airport, unlike competitors American, United and Southwest.

Delta said that the two new nonstops within Texas, coupled with continued Mexico City-Austin and Amsterdam-Austin service by Delta joint venture partners Aeromexico and KLM respectively, will position the airline for the first time to use Austin as a connecting base. 

Delta will further build Austin on April 22 with the launch of thrice-daily service to Nashville. In addition, the carrier will increase Austin-Cincinnati from daily to twice daily and increase Raleigh-Durham service from twice daily to thrice daily. 

“Austin is growing rapidly, and this 20% increase in capacity mirrors that growth as we look to provide our customers with unparalleled convenience in the region,” said Delta senior vice president of network planning Joe Esposito. 

Delta currently flies to 12 destinations from Austin, making it the third-largest airline in the market in terms of monthly seats, behind Southwest and American. 

American, however, will draw down its Austin presence early next year, reducing its route count from 37 this month to 19 by April, Cirium flight schedule data shows.

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