Allegiant Airlines Abandons Austin's Workers, Community with South Terminal Closure

Allegiant Airlines, in a blatant act of corporate greed, has announced its plan to eliminate its crew base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport by early next year. This decision comes as a direct result of the anticipated closure of the South Terminal, demonstrating the airline's disregard for the well-being of its employees and the Austin community.

The budget airline, with a significant presence in the Southeast and a strong foothold in Florida, has been operating in Austin since 2013. However, instead of committing to the city and its workforce, Allegiant has chosen to uproot its crew base, potentially causing disruption and hardship for its employees.

"As Austin becomes more popular, Allegiant's decision to abandon its crew base is a slap in the face to the city and its people. We deserve better!"

While the airline claims that the impact on operations will be minimal, this remains to be seen. The closure could result in increased layovers and inconvenience for passengers, further highlighting the airline's neglect of both its customers and employees.

The People of Austin Suffer as Airlines Cash In

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has experienced record-breaking traffic in recent years, with over 22 million travelers passing through in 2023. This growth is a testament to Austin's thriving community and its appeal to young professionals, event-goers, and vacationers.

However, instead of investing in the city and its infrastructure, airlines like Allegiant are taking advantage of Austin's popularity without considering the strain on the airport and the local community.

Texas-based Southwest Airlines dominated the market, serving over 8.5 million passengers, followed by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Allegiant, despite its planned withdrawal, held the seventh spot, outperforming JetBlue and British Airways.

A Silver Lining: Expansion Plans on the Horizon

In a much-needed development, the Austin City Council has taken a progressive step towards addressing the shortcomings of the city's airport. With a unanimous vote, they have paved the way for future decisions and investments to increase the airport's capacity and improve services.

The proposed expansion includes an entirely new concourse with 20 new gates, expected to open by 2030. Additionally, there are plans to build a new utility plant, funded by the city, addressing the current plant's outdated infrastructure and reducing the airport's carbon footprint.

While Allegiant's departure may cause temporary setbacks, Austin remains resilient, and with these expansion plans, the city takes a step towards a brighter future, catering to the needs of its diverse and vibrant community.

The people of Austin deserve better than the treatment Allegiant Airlines has served them. It's time for corporations to recognize their social responsibility and respect the communities they profit from.