XNA to offer direct flights to Austin, Texas

by Jeff Della Rosa ([email protected]) 2,443 views 

Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill and Las Vegas-based carrier Allegiant Air announced Tuesday (Feb. 9) new nonstop flights to Austin, Texas, starting July 2.

“We are thrilled to welcome a new direct flight from XNA to Austin,” said XNA CEO Aaron Burkes. “This route offers access to a destination that fulfills both business and leisure interests of the Northwest Arkansas community. We appreciate Allegiant’s commitment to our market and look forward to this continued partnership.”

Allegiant will provide nonstop flights between XNA and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Mondays and Fridays. The carrier is offering one-way fares on the new route as low as $49, according to a news release. To receive this introductory rate, passengers must purchase flights by Feb. 10 and travel by Aug. 16. Link here for flights.

“With its vibrant music scene and centers of innovation, Austin is an increasingly sought-after destination,” said Drew Wells, senior vice president of revenue for Allegiant. “We’re excited to offer our unique brand of convenient, affordable nonstop service for Northwest Arkansas residents to experience all that Austin has to offer.”

This is the first new direct flight XNA has announced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Alex English, public relations and marketing specialist for XNA.

“We are hoping this is only the start and that even more new routes will be announced soon,” English said.

The airport offers 11 direct flights, and five are serviced by Allegiant. The existing nonstop flights by Allegiant are to Orlando, Fla., Las Vegas, Nashville, Tenn., and Phoenix. Other nonstop flights not provided by Allegiant are to Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, N.C., Houston, Denver and Chicago.

XNA enplanements, or passengers who fly out, declined by 60.9% to 360,133 in 2020, from 922,533 in 2019.