Delta Air Lines is officially pulling out of Midland International Air & Space Port later this year.
The carrier’s final flights in and out of the West Texas airport are scheduled for November 8, according to a statement from the City of Midland. The next day, Delta’s route between Midland and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will also end.
A Delta spokesperson told USA TODAY the decision was made to better “align with consumer demand,” adding:
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and remain committed to serving Central Texas as the leading global carrier in Austin.”
What this means for travelers
For Midland residents, Delta’s exit doesn’t mean the end of nonstop flights to Austin. Southwest Airlines will continue to operate that route, along with other direct connections to Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Denver and Phoenix. United, Southwest and American Eagle also remain active at the airport.
Travel through Midland’s airport has actually been trending up—more than 72,000 passengers flew in July, an 18.5% increase compared to two years ago.
Local reaction
Midland City Councilwoman Robin Poole, who serves as liaison to the Airports Department, expressed disappointment but said the city remains focused on growth.
“While I am disappointed to learn that Delta Airlines will no longer be servicing our airport, it does not diminish our commitment to ensuring Midland International Air & Space Port continues to thrive,” Poole said. “Air service is essential, and we’ll continue working to bring more options and better connections to Midland.”
Delta shifting focus to Austin
Even as it leaves Midland, Delta is ramping up operations in Austin. This fall and next summer, the airline will add routes to Denver, Columbus and Kansas City, plus more flights to San Francisco and Indianapolis.
Delta also continues to serve McAllen International Airport in South Texas. Photo by Cubbie_n_Vegas from Las Vegas, USA, Wikimedia commons.
