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Delta ends operations at Memphis; FedEx strengthens cargo dominance

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Global Industry News
Delta ends operations at Memphis; FedEx strengthens cargo dominance
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Delta Air Lines at Memphis International Airport | Simple Flying

Memphis International Airport (MEM) once served as a significant hub for Delta Air Lines, but today it is primarily recognized as a major cargo hub, known as the FedEx Superhub. The airport's evolution reflects the broader trend of fluctuating fortunes among airports over time.

Delta Air Lines, founded in 1929 and part of the SkyTeam alliance, was once prominent at Memphis after acquiring Northwest Airlines in 2010. Initially maintaining operations at Memphis alongside its Atlanta hub, Delta eventually scaled back due to inefficiencies. By September 2012, transatlantic flights to Amsterdam ceased, and by 2013, Delta closed its Memphis hub entirely. A memo from Delta cited "extensive use of inefficient 50-seat jets in Memphis and high jet-fuel prices that make them expensive to operate" as reasons for this decision.

The closure led to a reduction in passenger traffic at MEM, which hit a low of 3.5 million passengers in 2015. In contrast, Tennessee's Nashville International Airport became significantly busier. Despite this decline, Memphis remains an international airport with limited international destinations.

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After losing its hub status, renovations were undertaken at MEM by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority starting in 2014. These included demolishing unused sections and modernizing Concourse B by February 2022.

Today, while passenger numbers have gradually increased since their nadir during the pandemic—reaching nearly five million in 2024—the airport predominantly serves domestic routes through airlines like Allegiant Air and American Airlines. VivaAerobus offers seasonal international flights to Cancun.

Despite no longer being a passenger hub for Delta Air Lines—which still holds a dominant market share of 24%—Memphis thrives as FedEx's primary base of operations. FedEx operates globally from MEM with a large fleet serving over 375 destinations worldwide.

While no longer central to Delta's operations—with Atlanta remaining its busiest hub—Memphis continues to play an essential role in air freight logistics thanks to FedEx’s presence.

Organizations Included in this History
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