Allegiant Airways Gives Austin the Middle Finger, Says 'It's Not You, It's Me'

Allegiant Airlines is dumping Austin-Bergstrom International Airport faster than an incel at a sorority party. The airline announced it's breaking up with the airport's South Terminal, leaving a trail of broken hearts and delayed flights in its wake.

"We're not breaking up, we just need space... to fly our planes," said Allegiant, probably.

The budget airline, known for its cheap fares and even cheaper onboard snacks, has been a staple in Austin since 2013, whispering sweet nothings into the ears of travellers and probably paying for drinks with Monopoly money. But now, it's kicking Austin to the curb like last night's Uber driver.

The airline, which is basically the Dollar Store of the skies, hasn't spilled the beans on how this break-up will impact operations. But, like any good ex, they're already downplaying the impact, saying it'll be minimal. Translated from corporate-speak, this probably means more layovers and delayed flights than a millennial at a music festival.

Austin-Bergstrom, Where Dreams and Luggage Go to be Crushed

If you thought Austin-Bergstrom was crowded, you're not alone. Last year, a record-breaking 22 million people passed through its gates, making it the airport's busiest year ever. This is probably because every man and his dog (literally, there are emotional support animals now) is moving to Austin, and they all want a slice of the hipster pie.

Southwest Airlines, the Texas home state hero, dominated the skies like a chivalrous knight, serving over 8.5 million passengers. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines rounded out the top three, leaving the other airlines to fight over the leftover pretzels.

Allegiant, always going against the grain like a teenager with a nose ring, flew 377,091 passengers last year, placing it seventh in the popularity contest. But who's keeping score, anyway? Oh wait, Allegiant is, and they're not happy about it.

Austin-Bergstrom: A Work in Progress, Just Like Your Ex

As if dealing with record-breaking crowds and emotional support peacocks wasn't enough, Austin-Bergstrom is also undergoing some intense couples' therapy, I mean, expansions.

The airport is planning to add a new concourse with 20 new gates by 2030, giving travellers more space to spread out and argue over the last overpriced snack.

The Austin City Council is also getting involved, voting to pass some fancy new steps to address the airport's shortcomings. Basically, they're giving the airport permission to level up, with a shiny new $162 million construction contract to build a utility plant. The current plant, older than your dad's dad, just can't keep up with the airport's ever-growing heating and cooling needs.

So, while Allegiant might be leaving a trail of broken hearts, at least Austin-Bergstrom is trying to heal and move on, one expansion at a time.

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