MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) – Back in February over 53000 people flew out of Midland International Air & Space Port with only three airlines in service.
Now with a fourth airline flying from MAF, that number is only expected to rise.
On Monday, April 22nd Delta Airlines flew into Midland for the first time in over 10 years.
Hundreds of people made their way on and off the first Delta flight in Midland in over a decade.
Before the 22nd the only airline that connected to Austin from MAF was Southwest but now Delta will have three flights coming in and out of MAF every day.
“So these flights will go directly to Austin but then I think they’re offering seven new connections from Austin so it’s just gonna build upon their travel network and offer more selections for our residents when they’re planning their travel,” said Robin Poole, Midland City Council
Midland is ranked one of the fastest-growing economies among the 100 largest U.S. midsize cities by Kenan Institute’s American Growth Project and also provides customers access to the closest airport to Big Bend National Park.
Right now the city of Midland estimates that 1 million people come in and out of MAF a year and the addition of Delta has already made a massive impact on the airport’s continuing growth.
“We have a new project coming up with a new security checkpoint and that should help alleviate some of the back-ups we have at the checkpoint now. We should have at least three lanes and a dedicated pre-check lane so we’re in the design of that project right now” said Justine Ruff
Director of Airports at Midland International Air & Space Port
With the new expansion, Ruff hopes even more airlines make their way to MAF.
“Hey, going from three to four is awesome and you know we hope at some point in our expansion to add another gate and then maybe another airline,” said Ruff
Starting April 23rd Delta will fly three flights coming in and three flights flying out of MAF.
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