Summary
- American Airlines will significantly reduce service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Indianapolis and Palm Springs, with flights expected to be cut entirely in March.
- Passengers can still travel to Indianapolis via Southwest, Delta, and United with respective connections in Detroit or Chicago.
- American Airlines is expected to resume flights to Palm Springs by April 2024, but in the meantime, passengers can fly with American or United with stops in Phoenix or Los Angeles.
American Airlines will significantly reduce service from central Texas’ Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Indiana, and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) in California, according to data provided by Cirium. Both routes are expected to see a tenth of their normal capacity in February before being cut entirely in March.
Per Cirium data, American will operate just three flights between AUS-IND and AUS-PSP in the first week of February. This is a cut of 21 and 24 flights, respectively. Neither route will be operated in March, cutting 31 flights in total from both routes. During this time, passengers wishing to fly from AUS to either IND or PSP can do so via connecting flights at one of American Airlines’ hubs.
American Airlines could not respond to press inquiries; however, both routes are expected to resume by April 4th, 2024. The new April schedule will have a reduction of a handful of flights compared to last year. At this time, Cirium data indicates that American Airlines will operate both routes through the end of 2024.
Alternatives to IND and PSP
Passengers traveling to IND from AUS non-stop can do so on Southwest Airlines, which operates a 737 on that route. Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines join American in operating the route with respective connections. Delta’s flight will connect in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW), utilizing the Airbus A319 and Boeing 717. Meanwhile, United operates the flight with a stop at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or Chicago O’hare International Airport (ORD).
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
When traveling to PSP, passengers do not have the option to travel non-stop until American Airlines restarts its service. Those wishing to travel between AUS and PSP can do so on American Airlines using a 737 to get to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and a CRJ700 to PSP. United offers the same service, with either a stop at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or IAH.
This isn’t the first time in recent months that American Airlines has changed its service from AUS. At the end of 2023, the airline announced reductions in its service at Austin by more than half. While the airline had previously operated routes to more than 46 destinations, the new 2024 schedule only has just 21 non-stop routes.
Airport service cuts
For its part, Austin’s Bergstrom International Airport is going through more than $164 million in airport renovations. At the time, the airport released a statement in support of American’s total growth at AUS since the start of the pandemic.
“American Airlines has adjusted its flight schedules from AUS starting next year. We’re grateful for their offerings, which provide more nonstop departures and more seats to Central Texas travelers than in 2019,” the airport said.
American Airlines has taken a neutral position during this event. Photo: Tom Boon – Simple Flying
There have actually been several dramatic route changes at AUS in recent months. Alaska Airlines announced it would cut its service from San José Mineta International Airport. The airline had originally expected to operate the route with its E175, operated by Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines, before removing all flights from May to December.
While Alaska Airlines and American Airlines have both made cuts to service to AUS, Delta Air Lines is doubling down on central Texas. Delta Air Lines, for its part, is increasing its seat capacity by 20%, adding 11 peak daily flights.
