Southwest Airlines Expands Operations with New Crew Base in Austin

Southwest Airlines has confirmed that they will start operations at the new crew base for pilots and flight attendants at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) by March 2026. This is a major expasnison for the airline as they will add over 2,000 positions and will be the largest airline employer in Central Texas. The expansion of the new base will have pilots and flight attendants with support, marking a big commitment of southwest to the Austin Airport and the Austin economy.

New Jobs and Operational Growth

The new crew base at Austin Bergstrom International Airport will generate more than 2,000 jobs. The base will initially employ around 335 pilots and 650 flight attendants, with the workforce expected to grow to 2,000 by mid-2027. This expansion is part of Southwest’s strategy to meet increasing demand and improve operational efficiency across its Texas routes.

The crew base will feature leadership staff, support personnel, and new training facilities for flight attendants. Southwest is also enhancing its ongoing business transformation by incorporating a recurring training facility at the new base.

Austin’s Role in Southwest’s Growth

Austin continues to be a key player in Southwest Airlines’ long-term expansion strategy. The city is already the largest hub for Southwest in Texas, with over 130 peak-day departures and more than 6.7 million customers served in 2024. The new base reinforces Southwest’s commitment to Austin and positions the airline for continued growth in Central Texas.

In addition to the new crew base, Southwest is expanding its services from Austin. New routes will begin in March 2026 to popular leisure destinations like Fort Myers, Palm Springs, and Steamboat Springs. By June 2026, daily flights will start from Austin to Cincinnati, Ohio, and the airline is also increasing seasonal services to destinations like Pensacola, Florida.

Benefits for Travelers

With this expansion, Austin residents and visitors will see more options for nonstop flights. Southwest already offers 53 nonstop destinations from Austin, and the addition of new routes will increase these choices, enhancing travel convenience for Central Texas residents.

Travelers flying from Austin can expect enhanced service and operational efficiency as Southwest Airlines continues to expand its infrastructure. The airline’s investment in training and staffing at the new base will contribute to more reliable service and improved customer experience, helping the airline handle the growing demand for air travel.

Strengthening Local Partnerships

Southwest Airlines’ decision to open a new crew base in Austin follows a series of discussions with local leaders, including the City of Austin and Texas Economic Development Office. The airline’s collaboration with state and city officials reflects a strong commitment to the region’s economic growth. Southwest is also deepening its ties with Austin’s workforce development programs, particularly through the Austin Workforce Solutions. This partnership will provide valuable job training and internship opportunities for the local community, particularly in aviation and airport services.

In addition, Southwest will work closely with the AUS Career Center, which will serve as a key resource for all job openings at the new base. The airline is committed to creating pathways to employment for local residents, contributing to Austin’s thriving economy.

The Future of Southwest in Austin

This new crew base is a crucial part of Southwest Airlines’ ongoing efforts to support its growth in Texas and beyond. By March 2026, Southwest’s workforce in Austin will be significantly bolstered, helping the airline keep pace with its growing demand. The decision also strengthens Austin’s position as a hub for domestic air travel, with Southwest expanding its role as the city’s primary airline.

Looking ahead, travelers can expect more flights, more destinations, and greater convenience as Southwest continues to grow its presence in Austin. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Southwest’s expanded operations promise to offer more options for efficient, affordable air travel from Austin.

Southwest’s Commitment to Austin

The opening of the new crew base is just one example of Southwest Airlines’ long-term investment in Austin and the greater Texas area. As the largest carrier at Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Southwest’s presence in the city plays a crucial role in the airline’s broader strategy to maintain and expand its market share in the region.

This growth will not only benefit travelers but will also provide thousands of new job opportunities in Central Texas, contributing to the local economy and supporting Southwest’s continued expansion across the country. Southwest Airlines remains committed to its mission of delivering affordable, reliable, and high-quality air travel to its customers, while also investing in the communities it serves.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines has made a significant investment in AUSTIN BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL Airport and the city of Austin as a whole. The new facility at abia (Austin brach of the international airport) will create 2000 plus jobs and will improve the operations of Southwest in Central Texas. The new facility will provide flight options (SW flight options) to people living in and visiting central Texas. Travelers will be able to fly to and from Austin (as one of Texas’) and one of its fastest growing and popular Alternative destinations. Austin is a growing city in Texas and a popular Alternative Southwest destination. Southwest continues to improve their customer service and flight options as they expand their service and AUSTIN BERGSTRM INTERNATIONAL.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

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