AUSTIN, Texas — A popular U.S. airline will no longer sustain its base operations out of Austin.
Starting Jan. 7, 2025, Allegiant Airlines' aircraft carriers and crew will not be based at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
According to the airline, this decision comes as AUS plans to demolish the airport's South Terminal in order to build a second concourse in the coming years.
This week, KVUE obtained a statement from Allegiant detailing more on its decision-making process:
"Because of the South Terminal's closure, Allegiant will eventually relocate to the main terminal. Unfortunately, the gate space we have been offered will not allow us to sustain our base at AUS. However, we will continue to serve Austin with all flights operating as turns from other bases, providing our customers with the exceptional service they have come to expect from Allegiant," the statement said in part.
The airline has been permanently based in Austin since 2021, and it first partnered with the South Terminal in 2017. Passengers have been able to fly out of AUS using Allegiant since 2013, which will continue for the foreseeable future.
Last summer, Allegiant Airlines sued the company that runs the airport's South Terminal for reportedly making private deals with the city of Austin.
The lawsuit stated the company, called LoneStar Airport Holdings LLC, made secret deals with the city, including its decision to sell the South Terminal.
In November 2023, Austin paid a total of $88 million to overtake the South Terminal, allowing AUS to continue its long-term expansion project on its new 20 gate Concourse B and connector tunnel.
This is part of the airport's continued Expansion & Development Program, featuring a series of long and short-term changes.