In the past several months, airlines have rolled out a number of new nonstop flights into and out of Austin. “As Austin and its airport continue to grow, we are excited to welcome these new and expanded services to Central Texas,” said Jacqueline Yaft, CEO of Austin's airport. In Austin, the airline is hiring across the board, including in customer service, ground handling and in leadership roles. Southwest is seeking to fill more than 5,000 positions across the country by the end of the year. In addition to adding nonstop flights in Austin, Southwest is also adding employees. "When you think about sales, new business development, new relationships, nothing beats face to face," he said. Southwest is expecting increased business travel in the fall, Harvey said. Just like there was pent-up demand on leisure, there is absolutely the same pent-up demand with business." "I know people have functioned the last 18 months with Zoom platforms. "The remaining gap was really the business segment," he said. Business travel remained down as companies postponed travel amid the COVID delta variant. Harvey said leisure travel was back to 2019 levels this summer, but the COVID delta variant slowed the trajectory. "That's why we have three new Florida beach destinations and we're also expanding our international portfolio." "Customers tell us they want more additional options to get business connectivity, but also beaches have been very hot," he said. The new flights were timed to launch before spring break season and will serve a range of travelers, Harvey said. View Gallery: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport losing South Terminal, adding concourse "When you think about all the residents, the population growth and then what's going on with the corporate climate where you have people opening new offices and moving their headquarters to Austin, the demand is there." "This is the largest single growth in Austin that we've ever had in that 44-year history," said David Harvey, vice president of Southwest business. It is now the dominant carrier at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Sarasota/Bradenton, Fla. and Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Fla., will begin on March 12.ĭallas-based Southwest Airlines began service in Austin 44 years ago this week. Service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and seasonal weekly service to Panama City, Fla. More: Austin's airport to offer 7 new nonstop routes through Allegiant Airlines More: Changes coming to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to increase passenger capacity More: Austin airport reports 1 million-plus travelers for second month in a row On March 10, the airlines said it will begin daily nonstop service to Amarillo, Midland, Charleston, S.C., Columbus, Ohio and Ontario, Calif. Myers, Sarasota/Bradenton and Tampa.The airline said it plans to increase service at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport by more than 20 flights per day, offering nonstop service between Austin and 46 destinations on up to 105 departures a day. Lauderdale, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Ft. Southwest now offers nonstop flights from Indy to nearly 17 destinations, including, Atlanta, Austin (Texas), Baltimore, Cancun, Dallas-Love Field, Denver, Ft. MORE | Indy Airport adds three new nonstop flights | Tinker Coffee opens cafe at Indianapolis International Airport |
United Airlines also announced three new nonstop flights from the Circle City in March. Southwest's flights to Florida come almost two months after it announced its nonstop flight from Indy to Myrtle Beach. “This news means more destinations, more choices, and a (previously) unserved market now accessible out of Indy and a first for Southwest to Miami.”
“Good news keeps landing here in Indy, almost weekly in fact!” Mario Rodriguez, the executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, stated. This is the third nonstop flight announcement the Indy Airport has made this year, allowing for a total of six new direct flights. Southwest will also offer nonstop flights from Indianapolis to Miami starting June 12, every Saturday. Starting Sunday, June 6, Southwest will offer nonstop flights to Panama City from Indianapolis five times a week. INDIANAPOLIS - Southwest Airlines announced Monday two new nonstop flights from the Indianapolis International Airport to Florida.