Southwest Airlines Adds Nonstop Memphis to Austin Flights – Oct 2026

Southwest Airlines Adds Nonstop Memphis to Austin Flights – Oct 2026

February 13, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom News

Memphis travelers will soon have a new, direct connection to the Texas capital. Southwest Airlines announced today that it will begin offering nonstop service between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) starting October 1, 2026. Tickets for the new route are currently available for purchase at www.southwest.com.

Expanding Connectivity for Memphis

The new service will operate six days a week, from Sunday through Friday. This addition brings the total number of destinations Southwest Airlines serves from Memphis to 11. Currently, Southwest offers flights from MEM to Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa.

Did You Know? The new service between Memphis and Austin is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026.

Michael Keeney, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion. He stated that the addition of Austin service “provides more options for Memphis passengers.”

Flight Schedule Details

The schedule for the new nonstop flights is as follows, though times are subject to change:

  • MEM to AUS
  • Departs: 10:55 am (CT)
  • Arrives: 12:50 pm (CT)
  • AUS to MEM
  • Departs: 2:25 pm (CT)
  • Arrives: 4:10 pm (CT)
Expert Insight: The addition of a direct flight to Austin could signal a broader strategy by Southwest Airlines to increase its presence in the Memphis market, potentially attracting more business and leisure travelers.

Should demand for the Austin route prove strong, Southwest Airlines may consider increasing the frequency of flights or adding further destinations. Conversely, if passenger numbers are lower than anticipated, the airline could adjust the schedule or potentially reassess the route’s viability. We see also possible that other airlines may respond to this new service by adjusting their own offerings to and from Memphis.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new Southwest service between Memphis and Austin begin?

The nonstop service is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026.

How often will the flights operate?

The flights are scheduled to operate six days a week, from Sunday through Friday.

Where can I purchase tickets for the new flights?

Tickets are currently on sale at www.southwest.com.

How might increased flight options impact travel patterns for residents of the Memphis area?