Residents of Midland have been granted an additional route to Austin, following the city's announcement of Delta Airlines' reinstated service between Midland International Air & Space Port and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, effective from April 22. This marks a significant return as it has been a decade since a Delta aircraft last bridged the gap between the Permian Basin and the state capital.
According to Permian Basin CBS affiliate KOSA News, Delta's arrival increases the number of airlines operating in and out of Midland from three to four. The other airlines include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Earlier this year, the station reported that over 53,000 people had utilized the airport for their travel needs.
Permian Basin NBC affiliate KWES News revealed that Delta plans to operate flights between Austin and Midland three times daily.
KWES also reported that the first Delta flight at the airport in ten years was met with a water cannon salute. Additionally, sweet treats were distributed by airport staff and Delta representatives at the gate as part of a warm welcome.
The website of Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF), which serves 43 counties in western Texas and eastern New Mexico, ranks it eighth among primary commercial service airports in Texas.
The MAF is owned and operated by the city of Midland. It offers more than 20 daily departures to several major airports including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Denver International Airport (DEN).