Delta Air Lines will cease flights to a West Texas airport starting in November.
The airline’s last flights to Midland International Air & Space Port in Midland, Texas, will take place on Nov. 8, the city of Midland confirmed in a news release on Aug. 25.
The route between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Midland will be discontinued the next day.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Wednesday, Sept. 3, Delta said the decision was made to “align with consumer demand.”
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and remain committed to serving Central Texas as the leading global carrier in Austin,” the airline said.
The Austin and Midland airports are about 330 miles apart. Delta’s operations in Austin currently connect customers to nearly 30 destinations, according to the airline.
Midland city leaders speak on Delta’s decision
In the Aug. 25 news release, Midland leaders said that consumers can continue to enjoy non-stop flights to Austin, via Southwest Airlines, in addition to non-stop flights to Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Denver and Phoenix.
Other airlines that operate out of the airport include United, Southwest and American Eagle.
In July, 72,703 people used the airport, an increase of 18.5% compared to the same period two years prior.
Councilwoman Robin Poole, the Midland City Council’s liaison to the Airports Department, said: “While I am disappointed to learn that Delta Airlines will no longer be servicing our airport, it does not diminish our commitment to ensuring Midland International Air & Space Port continues to thrive and meet the needs of our residents and those traveling through the Permian Basin.”
“Midlanders can expect us to remain focused on supporting improvements and expansion efforts that will strengthen our airport’s role as a vital hub for our community and our region,” Poole continued. “Air service is essential, and I will continue working alongside my colleagues, city staff, and our partners to bring more options and better connections to Midland.”
Delta recently announced new expanded routes from Austin
Delta recently announced the launch of three new routes to Denver, Columbus and Kansas City from Austin, in addition to expanded service to San Francisco and Indianapolis.
The Denver route will launch on Nov. 9, while the Columbus and Kansas City routes will begin on June 7.
In addition to the Austin airport, Delta provides services to McAllen International Airport in McAllen, Texas.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Delta Air Lines to permanently stop all flights to this Texas city