Austin Airport's Popularity Soars, While Allegiant Airlines Cuts Crew Base

Austin, TX - In a move that screams "peace out, y'all," Allegiant Airlines has thrown some serious shade at the live music capital of the world, announcing its plans to ditch its crew base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Like a bitter ex, the airline's all like, "It's not you, it's me," claiming the break-up is due to the upcoming closure of the South Terminal.

It's not a breakup, it's a closure-induced crewsless arrangement.

- Allegiant Airlines, probably

The budget carrier, which has been flying Austinians to their sunny vacays since 2013, ain't quittin' the Austin game altogether. It's just giving its crew base the old heave-ho. Like a true player, it's gonna use its nearly bases to keep servin' Austin, even if that means more layovers (read: less convenience).

Meanwhile, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is slayin' the aviation game, with a record-breakin' 22 million travelers in 2023. That's right, last year was lit with more passengers than a frat party. Hometown hero Southwest Airlines dominated the scene with 8.5 million passengers, followed by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, respectively. Allegiant, well, let's just say it placed... not last.

As Austin-Bergstrom becomes the "it" place to be, with young pros, event-goers, and vacay-ers flockin' in, expansion plans are in the works. We're talkin' a brand-spankin' new concourse with 20 new gates, ready to roll out by 2030. And the Austin City Council is on it like a cowboy on a mechanical bull, already passin' the first vote to address the airport's growin' pains. We're lookin' at a potential $162 million construction contract to build a new utility plant. 'Cause, ya know, more AC means everyone stays chill.

So, while Allegiant's movin' on, Austin-Bergstrom's just gettin' started. #ATXAirportFTW #WingItOut #IFlyATX