Southwest to Open New Crew Base in Austin, Creating Over 2,000 Jobs
Southwest Airlines confirmed it will open a base for pilots and flight attendants in March 2026 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The initiative will generate more than 2,000 jobs in the Texas capital and solidifies the company’s presence in an area where it has experienced sustained growth.
More Operations and Specialized Employment
The new base will primarily house captains, first officers, and cabin crew members. It will also include management teams and support staff. Additionally, the airline plans to incorporate a recurrent training center for flight attendants, part of its internal modernization process.
Bob Jordan, President, CEO, and Vice Chairman of the Board, highlighted that this investment reaffirms the company’s commitment to the city and to travelers. He also underscored the role of state and local authorities, from Governor Greg Abbott to Mayor Watson, in facilitating the project’s development.
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Austin, a Key Market for Southwest
The airline is the largest operator at Austin Airport, with more than 130 daily departures during peak periods. Throughout 2024, it transported nearly 6.7 million passengers from this airport. Starting in March, it will add routes to leisure destinations such as Fort Myers in Florida, Palm Springs in California, and Steamboat Springs (Hayden) in Colorado. With these additions, the direct network from Austin will reach 53 cities.
In June, a daily link to Cincinnati will also begin, along with increased seasonal frequencies on routes like Pensacola.
Gradual Expansion Through 2027
Operations are expected to begin with 335 pilots and 650 flight attendants. The structure will grow progressively until reaching 2,000 employees by mid-2027. The decision was made after a technical analysis process and coordination with the City of Austin and the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office.
The goal is to improve operational efficiency within the state and ensure Austin maintains an important role in the company’s long-term strategy.
Local Programs and Workforce Training
As part of the agreement with the city, Southwest will strengthen its collaboration with Austin Workforce Solutions. The airline will work with the Austin Infrastructure Academy and expand its internship program for youth in conjunction with the airport. It will also establish links with the AUS Career Center, which will act as a point of contact for all available job openings in the area.
The combination of investment, operational growth, and workforce development programs marks a significant expansion of Southwest’s role in the region, reinforcing its position as the leading operator in Austin.
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