Summary
- Allegiant Air will close the Austin base due to reduced capacity and the closure of the South Terminal.
- Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 delays and terminal demolition contribute to base closure.
- Allegiant is to continue serving Austin with flights, but the following routes will be cut: Eugene, Las Vegas, Washington-Dulles, and Omaha.
Allegiant Air plans to close its base in Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) only three years after it opened. The Vegas-based carrier announced its intent to open a base at the airport in 2021, which would house flight crew, cabin crew, and three of its Airbus A320 aircraft.
The delay domino effect
The statement announcing the airline’s intention to open the base said that it planned to spend $75 million to create the base and create a minimum of 89 high-paying jobs. While the numbers haven’t been quantified in the past three years, the investment value showed how bullish the airline was about the move. So, the move to shut down wasn’t made lightly.
Aero Crew News first reported the base’s closure after the new outlet obtained an internal memo circulated by the airline. According to multiple statements by the airline, it has been forced to shut down the base for two reasons.
The first reason is the airline’s reduced capacity in Austin, which it has scaled back over the years. Recently, the airline cut four routes, which it said was due to multiple delays in the delivery of Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft. The delays have also prompted the airline to reduce the number of aircraft it ordered.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 is a high-density variant of the aircraft, featuring 200 seats. It is ideal for low-cost carriers such as Allegiant, which rely on high capacity to offer cheaper fares.
Related
Allegiant Air Pushes Back Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 Debut Once Again
The airline continues to await its first delivery of the specially configured aircraft.
Reduced space at AUS
The second reason is the closure of the low-cost south terminal at AUS. Airline Geeks says the terminal is being demolished for a new midfield concourse.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
In a statement to Airline Geeks, the airline said:
“Austin is an important city to our network. However, due to airport constraints following the planned closure of the South Terminal, Allegiant will end base operations at AUS on Jan 7, 2025. Because of the South Terminal’s closure, Allegiant will eventually relocate to the main terminal. Unfortunately, the gate space we have been offered will not allow us to sustain our base at AUS. However, we will continue to serve Austin with all flights operating as turns from other bases, providing our customers with the exceptional service they have come to expect from Allegiant.”
Simple Flying has reached out to the airline and airport for a statement.
The terminal will remain operational until 2026, but the move has prompted the airline to act. Once the ultra-low-cost carrier shuts down the base, SkyWest will be the only remaining airline with a crew base at the airport. It recently opened a domicile at the airport this month.
Allegiant’s reduced capacity and base closure will certainly affect operations at AUS. The airline has already made plans to end the following routes on October 28th, 2024:
- Eugene Airport, Oregon
- Las Vegas International Airport, Nevada
- Washington-Dulles International Airport, Washington DC
- Omaha Airport, Nebraska
Related
SkyWest Airlines Plans To Open Its 20th Crew Base At Austin–Bergstrom International Airport
The regional carrier’s new base is scheduled to open this summer.
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Allegiant Air
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- G4/AAY
- Airline Type:
- Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier
- Year Founded:
- 1997
- CEO:
- John Redmond
- Country:
- United States
- Region:
- North America
