Transportation

For Central Texas families dreaming of a beach vacation, a tropical getaway or an easier trip to visit loved ones, getting there is about to become a little more convenient. Southwest Airlines has announced new nonstop international flights from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), bringing several popular Caribbean and Central American destinations within easier reach of travelers across the Austin area.

Beginning in 2027, passengers will have new nonstop options to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, along with additional domestic routes and the return of several seasonal destinations.

The expansion is welcome news for residents throughout Austin, Bastrop, Buda, Kyle, Pflugerville, Round Rock and surrounding Central Texas communities who rely on Austin-Bergstrom for family vacations, business travel and visits with friends and relatives. With more nonstop flights available locally, some travelers may be able to avoid connecting flights or driving to airports in other Texas cities.

The announcement, released by the City of Austin on October 2, 2026, also reflects the continued growth of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as a major transportation hub serving one of the country's fastest-growing regions.

New Southwest Airlines International Flights From Austin Begin in 2027

Southwest Airlines is introducing three new international destinations from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport beginning June 3, 2027. Each route will establish the only nonstop air service between Austin and its respective destination.

The new routes include:

• Nassau, Bahamas (NAS): Known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and island resorts.
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ): A popular Caribbean vacation destination featuring tropical beaches, resorts and coastal attractions.
• Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR): A gateway to Costa Rica's Pacific beaches, national parks and outdoor adventures.

The new seasonal international flights are scheduled to operate twice weekly, on Saturdays and Sundays, during the summer service period identified by the airport as June 3 through August 2, 2027.

For families planning summer vacations, the additional nonstop connections could make traveling to these destinations more convenient, particularly for those hoping to spend less time navigating airport connections.

Southwest Airlines also recently announced seasonal nonstop service from Austin to San José, Costa Rica (SJO), beginning March 13, 2027, providing another option for travelers interested in exploring Central America.

The airline will additionally bring back seasonal service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR), and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), expanding the selection of warm-weather destinations available from Austin.

More Nonstop Domestic Flights Coming to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

International destinations are not the only additions to Southwest Airlines' Austin flight schedule.

The airline also announced new nonstop service between Austin and Savannah, Georgia (SAV), establishing the only nonstop connection between the two cities.

Savannah, known for its historic architecture, coastal surroundings and Southern hospitality, offers Central Texas travelers another destination for vacations, weekend trips and visits with family.

Southwest will also restore daily seasonal service to Portland, Oregon (PDX), while introducing new seasonal weekend flights to three additional cities:

• Bozeman, Montana (BZN)
• Sarasota, Florida (SRQ)
• Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS)

These routes provide more options for travelers interested in mountain destinations, coastal vacations and exploring different regions of the United States.

The airline's announcement did not specify start dates for every domestic route. Travelers should check Southwest Airlines' published schedules for individual flight availability.

What the Expanded Southwest Airlines Service Means for Central Texas

For residents of Austin and surrounding communities, additional nonstop flights offer more than a longer list of vacation destinations.

Direct air connections can make it easier for families to plan trips, for businesses to connect with other markets and for visitors to reach Central Texas without additional stops.

The expansion also comes as the Austin metropolitan area continues to grow, bringing increased demand for convenient air travel.

Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, described Southwest Airlines as an important partner in the airport's development.

“Southwest Airlines has been a longstanding and important partner in the growth of air service at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport,” Badawi said. “These new international routes to the Caribbean and Central America, along with expanded domestic service, strengthen our region’s connectivity and provide more options for both business and leisure travelers. We are grateful to Southwest Airlines for its continued commitment to Austin and Central Texas and for investing in new travel opportunities for our community. As our region continues to grow and attract new businesses, investment and visitors, we remain focused on connecting Central Texas to more destinations and creating more opportunities for our community.”

For local travelers, the practical benefit is straightforward: more destinations accessible directly from the airport many already use.

While nonstop service eliminates the need for a flight connection, travelers should still compare schedules, ticket prices, baggage policies and total travel costs when planning their trips.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Continues to Grow Alongside Central Texas

The new Southwest Airlines routes are part of a broader period of growth at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which has become an increasingly important part of the region's transportation network and economy.

Owned by the City of Austin and operated by Austin Aviation, the airport achieved large-hub status from the Federal Aviation Administration for the first time in 2022.

Today, Austin-Bergstrom serves approximately 20 million passengers annually, connecting residents and visitors to destinations across the United States and beyond.

The airport is also a significant contributor to the Central Texas economy, supporting more than 74,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout the region.

Beyond its role in transportation, Austin-Bergstrom reflects the character of the community it serves.

Travelers passing through the airport can find more than 40 local shopping and dining brands, eight live music stages and service from more than 15 airlines.

The live music stages, in particular, offer visitors an introduction to Austin's well-known music culture before they even leave the terminal.

As passenger demand grows, the airport is also undertaking the largest improvement program in its history, aimed at expanding facilities and improving the travel experience.

These investments are particularly relevant for residents of growing communities outside Austin, including Bastrop County, Hays County and Williamson County, where Austin-Bergstrom serves as an important gateway for regional travel.

Although new flight routes do not necessarily translate into lower airfares, expanded service can provide travelers with additional scheduling options and greater flexibility when comparing destinations.

When Can Travelers Book the New Southwest Airlines Flights From Austin?

Southwest Airlines tickets for the newly announced destinations went on sale October 2, 2026.

Travelers interested in the new international service should keep several details in mind when making plans.

The Nassau, Punta Cana and Liberia routes are seasonal rather than year-round, with weekend service planned for summer 2027. San José, Costa Rica, is scheduled to begin earlier, on March 13, 2027.

Passengers traveling internationally should also review passport requirements, entry rules and other travel documentation well before departure.

Flight schedules and availability may change, so travelers are encouraged to confirm their preferred travel dates directly with the airline.

Tickets, schedules and additional booking information are available through Southwest Airlines' official website. Airport information, including parking, terminal services and travel updates, can be found at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's official website.

More Travel Opportunities Ahead for Austin and Surrounding Communities

For Central Texas residents, the addition of nonstop flights to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica represents another step in the region's expanding connection to destinations around the world.

It also reflects how the needs of local travelers are changing as communities continue to welcome new families, employers and visitors.

Whether the next trip is a family beach vacation, a visit with relatives or an opportunity to explore somewhere new, the growing number of routes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport gives travelers more choices without necessarily having to begin their journey outside Central Texas.

With new international flights beginning in March and June 2027, and additional domestic routes joining the schedule, residents have time to explore their options and plan ahead.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more updates on Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Southwest Airlines flight expansions and transportation developments affecting Austin and surrounding Central Texas communities.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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