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Delta Air Lines will end its service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) in November, resulting in a complete withdrawal from the Midland-Odessa market. The airline has operated up to three daily flights on this route since April 2024, but will conduct its final flight in early November.
Data from the US Department of Transportation indicates that Delta’s AUS-MAF route struggled with low passenger loads, with average occupancy rates below 60% last year and dropping to under 55% during some months. The route’s performance was weak compared to other services out of Austin. Southwest Airlines remains the primary carrier at Midland, commanding almost half of the market share and serving five routes. Currently, Southwest is also the only airline providing nonstop service between Austin and Midland-Odessa.
When Delta launched flights to Midland-Odessa, airport officials noted that they received only 48 hours’ notice before the announcement. Industry observers suggested that these short-haul flights allowed Delta to maintain access to gates at Austin ahead of future expansion plans. Around the same period, Delta also began service to McAllen International Airport (MFE), which continues for now.
