Delta Air Lines is expanding its network from Austin Bergstrom International Airport with a new nonstop service to Northwest Arkansas. The carrier filed plans over the weekend to begin flights between the Texas capital and Northwest Arkansas National Airport near Bentonville. Service is scheduled to start on March 7, 2027.
The new route marks the latest step in Delta’s rapid growth at Austin, which the airline has designated as a key focus city. The airline plans to operate up to 70 daily departures from the airport by March, according to Delta chief commercial officer Joe Esposito. This expansion includes recent additions of nonstop flights to Europe, Silicon Valley, and popular leisure destinations.
Delta Austin Northwest Arkansas route details
Flights will operate on an Embraer 175 regional jet operated by Delta Connection partner SkyWest. The inaugural flight departs Austin just before 9 p.m. on March 7. The return flight from Northwest Arkansas to Austin will depart the following morning on March 8.
The Bentonville airport serves as a gateway to northwest Arkansas, as well as parts of Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas. It is also the closest major airport for travelers visiting the University of Arkansas. The region is home to Walmart’s corporate headquarters, a factor that likely influenced Delta’s decision to add this route.
Delta already serves Bentonville from five hub airports: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and New York LaGuardia. This new nonstop connection will provide direct access for Austin travelers without requiring a hub connection.
Austin market growth and competition
Austin has become a priority market for Delta, which aims to become the leading corporate carrier in the city. The airline revealed in August that it would launch nonstop service to Paris in April, marking its first transatlantic route from Austin. Other new routes include San Jose, Bozeman, and Cancun.
Southwest Airlines remains the dominant carrier at Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Southwest also plans to operate its largest schedule from the airport in 2027 and will open one of its inaugural airport lounges there. Delta is planning a second, larger Sky Club at the airport in the coming years.
Northwest Arkansas National Airport is also experiencing significant growth. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows a 28 percent increase in total flights at the airport over the past two years. The new Delta service adds to this trend of expanding air connectivity in the region.
“This new direct route is another example of Delta’s continued investment in Austin and our commitment to making it easier for Austinites to get where they want to go as we continue growing alongside this important community,” said Luis Guitart, Delta’s Austin-based regional sales manager.
Source: The Points Guy
