Delta gains ground at Austin-Bergstrom amid competition with American Airlines

Vasu Raja, then chief commercial officer of American Airlines, expressed optimism about the airline's expansion in Austin: “American is eager to expand in Austin alongside the region's exponential growth...These new routes create a competitive network that gets travelers in the door for entry into our frequent flier program."

Delta Air Lines observed these developments and began increasing its capacity as American retreated. Delta announced plans to boost its capacity by 20% in early 2024 and introduced five new routes from Austin set to begin between March and June next year.

Delta's strategy appears different from American's approach. Unlike American's rapid expansion without clear strategic goals, Delta is taking a measured approach with developmental flying ahead of terminal expansion planned for 2030.

Financially stronger than American, Delta can afford patience as it evaluates new routes. It maintains a commitment to making Austin a focus city and has invested in infrastructure such as a large Sky Club at AUS.

While speculation exists about whether Delta might turn Austin into its next hub, current airport capacity constraints make this unlikely soon. Instead, Delta may develop an extensive focus city operation similar to Raleigh–Durham until gate expansions allow further growth.