American Airlines Cuts 4 Austin Routes, Adds Tampico Flights in 2025

American Airlines is downsizing its operations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), cutting four routes from its schedule. The decision impacts routes to Boston, Nashville, Raleigh-Durham, and Orange County, California. The first three routes will be eliminated by early November, while service to Orange County will end on January 5, 2025.

An airline spokesperson stated, "As part of the continuous evaluation of our network, American will reduce service from Austin starting this winter. American will continue to offer customers access to our comprehensive global network of more than 350 destinations with one-stop connections."

This move significantly reduces American Airlines' recent expansion in Austin. The airline initially aimed to grow its presence in the city during the pandemic. American Airlines introduced ten new routes in March 2021, followed by 14 more in June 2021, including domestic and international flights to Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.

Along with new routes, American Airlines announced plans for a 15,000-square-foot Admirals Club at AUS. The club featured floor-to-ceiling windows, diverse seating options, locally inspired art, and live performances by local musicians. At its peak, some industry experts speculated that Austin might become a key focus city for American Airlines.

However, the scenario has evolved over the past few years. Last year, American cut 21 routes from Austin, followed by five more in late July. With the latest cuts, American Airlines has reversed much of its recent growth in the city. The remaining routes from Austin now include:

• Aspen, Colorado
• Cancun
• Charlotte
• Chicago
• Dallas-Fort Worth
• Los Angeles
• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Miami
• New York City
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix

American Airlines travelers in Austin will have to connect through other hubs for many destinations. Despite these cuts, the airline plans to offer 30% more peak-day departures and over 20% more peak-day seats next year compared to 2019.

Austin-based travelers might turn to competitors like Delta Airlines or Southwest Airlines, which provide nonstop service on several routes that American has discontinued.

On a positive note for Texas, the airline is adding a new international destination to its network. Starting March 6, 2025, American will fly to Tampico, Mexico. Envoy Air, an American regional affiliate, will operate a daily flight using a 65-seat Embraer E170 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Tampico will be American's 29th destination in Mexico, with 27 of those served directly from DFW. The airline last flew to Tampico in 2008. Jim Moses, senior vice president of DFW operations, commented, "We're excited to continue expanding our network of more than 230 worldwide destinations we serve directly from DFW. American is proud to operate as the largest U.S. airline in Mexico."

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