Southwest Airlines Expands Austin Services with New Crew Base and More Non-Stop Routes

Published on December 16, 2025

Southwest Airlines is set to expand its operations with the opening of a new crew base for pilots and flight attendants at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in March 2026. This marks a significant development for both the airline and the city of Austin, Texas, where Southwest is already the largest carrier, operating over 130 peak-day departures. The new crew base will create approximately 2,000 new jobs by mid-2027, underlining Southwest’s growing commitment to the region and its bustling flight schedule.

The Texas city has already provided Southwest Airlines with USD 5.5 million in incentives to establish the base. The partnership between the airline and the city aims to boost the local economy, with the new job creation set to benefit both the aviation sector and Austin’s broader travel industry. As part of this initiative, Southwest Airlines has announced new non-stop routes that will further increase its network from Austin.

New Crew Base to Support Growing Operations at Austin-Bergstrom

Opening in March 2026, the crew base will serve as a hub for Southwest Airlines’ pilots and flight attendants, helping to support the airline’s expanding operations at Austin-Bergstrom Airport. As one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, AUS has seen increasing demand for more flight options, and the establishment of this crew base is part of a larger effort to accommodate that demand.

With over 130 peak-day departures, Southwest is already a major player at Austin-Bergstrom. The opening of the crew base, however, will allow Southwest to increase its operational capacity, making it easier to manage the ever-growing number of flights coming in and out of the city. The addition of 2,000 jobs will further strengthen the airline’s local footprint and provide ample career opportunities for Austin residents and newcomers.

The new base will also help ensure greater efficiency and reliability in Southwest’s scheduling, which is crucial during busy travel seasons. With these upgrades, passengers flying to and from Austin can expect a smoother, more streamlined experience.

Expanding Southwest’s Route Network from Austin

In addition to the crew base, Southwest Airlines is expanding its service offerings from Austin-Bergstrom. Starting in March 2026, the airline will introduce several new non-stop routes, including flights to Fort Myers, Florida, Palm Springs, California, and Steamboat Springs (Hayden), Colorado. These routes will increase the number of non-stop destinations available from AUS, bringing Southwest’s total to 53.

The new crew base will support these changes, as Southwest also plans to add daily service between Austin and Cincinnati, set to begin in June 2026. Seasonal services to Pensacola, Florida have already been enhanced, adding even more options for leisure and business travellers.

With these new routes, Austin residents can look forward to a broader selection of direct flights to popular destinations across the United States, enhancing Austin’s connectivity and making it an even more attractive hub for air travel.

The Economic Impact of Southwest’s Expansion

The opening of the crew base will have a positive impact on the local economy, creating 2,000 jobs by mid-2027. Southwest’s investment into Austin will likely lead to increased demand for support services in the region, from logistics to catering, further benefiting the local economy. With the incentive package from the city and the state of Texas, Southwest Airlines is making a significant contribution to the growth of both the aviation industry and Austin’s broader infrastructure.

The additional routes will also make Austin a more convenient departure point for domestic and leisure travel, leading to increased tourism and business activity in the city. Austin’s airport, which has recently undergone infrastructure expansions to handle the surge in passenger traffic, is better positioned to handle the growth in service capacity.

Strengthening Austin as a Key Travel Hub

The opening of the new Southwest Airlines crew base at Austin-Bergstrom marks an exciting new chapter for both the airline and the Texas city. With 2,000 jobs created, new non-stop flights, and increased operational efficiency, this expansion reaffirms Austin’s role as a key travel hub in the United States. Southwest’s growth at AUS reflects the increasing demand for flights to and from the city, and the airline’s investment into local infrastructure will benefit both travellers and the local economy.

For travellers, this means more options for direct flights, improved schedules, and an enhanced airport experience. With Southwest’s increasing presence in Austin, the region continues to grow as a prime destination for both business and leisure travellers, making it easier to explore even more destinations in the U.S. and beyond.