American Airlines has significantly reduced its operations in Austin, a city that has seen rapid airport growth over the years. The airline had previously expanded its presence there, although Southwest Airlines remained the dominant carrier. Now, American Airlines is scaling back to hub flights and limited leisure services to Mexico.
This marks the end of American’s efforts to establish a small hub or focus city in Austin. Over the past year, the airline has ceased service to multiple cities including Cincinnati, Cozumel, Jacksonville, Memphis, Reno, Albuquerque, El Paso, Fort Myers, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Sacramento, Tampa, Washington Dulles, Nassau, Punta Cana, Liberia, San Juan, Puerto Vallarta, and Las Vegas. Recently announced cutbacks also include Boston; Orlando; Nashville; Raleigh; and Orange County.
Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja once described Austin as "his love language," but the reduction in service began prior to his departure from the company.