After nearly three years in operation, Allegiant is closing down its Austin base. As first reported by Aero Crew News and Enilria, the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) plans to shut down the base effective Jan. 7, 2025.
Allegiant opened its Austin base in November 2021 with initial plans to create roughly 89 ‘high-wage’ jobs, the carrier said in a press release. The airline had also planned to base three Airbus A320 jets at the airport.
According to Cirium Diio schedule data, the airline scaled back year-over-year capacity in Austin by 33% in the first quarter. In June 2024, Allegiant operates up to 20 peak-day flights in the market.
The airline recently cut several routes, including four in Austin, citing Boeing 737 MAX delivery delays.
In Austin, Allegiant flies from the airport’s South Terminal, which is slated to be demolished to make way for a new midfield concourse. The airport says it expects the terminal to remain operational until early 2026.
“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 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,” the airline said in a statement.
When Allegiant closes the base in January, regional carrier SkyWest will remain the only airline with an Austin crew base. The carrier recently opened the domicile earlier this month.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 11:39 a.m. ET to add a statement from the company.
