Delta to Restore Daily Nonstop Service Between XNA and Austin Starting March 2027

Delta Air Lines will operate daily nonstop flights between Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Benton County and Austin, Texas, beginning March 8, 2027.

The connection was previously available through Allegiant Air in 2021. After a six-year break, the return of this specific route marks a shift in the airport's long-distance nonstop options.

Aaron Burkes, CEO of Northwest Arkansas National Airport, stated that the new service reflects the continued growth of the region. He noted that the demand for more nonstop travel options is driving these changes. Burkes also expressed appreciation for Delta’s continued investment in the area.

The new schedule features a 6 a.m. departure from XNA aboard a 76-seat Embraer 175. On the launch date of March 8, 2027, the flight will arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 7:50 a.m. The return flight departs Austin at 8:59 p.m. and lands in Northwest Arkansas at 10:49 p.m. The initial round-trip fare for these specific March dates starts at $237.

This addition will increase the number of nonstop destinations available at XNA to 29. A news release described Austin as a major center for business, technology, entertainment, and tourism. It also noted that both the Northwest Arkansas region and Austin have expanding business communities and growing populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Austin’s population surpassed 1 million residents in 2025. In the same year, the Northwest Arkansas region saw a 2.4% population increase, rising from 607,433 in 2024 to 622,177. This added 14,744 people to the metro area, which is now the 94th most populous in the United States.

Airport traffic has also grown in recent years. From January through September, enplanements at Northwest Arkansas National Airport increased by 4.56% to reach 981,001, up from 938,242 in the same period of 2025. Enplanements refer to the number of passengers flying out of the airport. September alone saw a 5.08% rise, with 112,603 passengers departing compared to 107,160 in September 2025.