This measure indicates the maximum number of seats available for passengers to fly. These are seats scheduled, but not necessarily filled. AUS is in the center of the Texas Triangle between the San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. During the COVID-19 pandemic, seats for Fiscal Years (FY) 20 and 21 matched 2015 levels, as aviation was deeply affected by the pandemic. AUS, however, enjoyed an early spike in seat capacity and new nonstops in FY22, leading to new record high passenger levels in FY2022 and FY2023.  

Passenger seats are scheduled seats for sale by airlines serving AUS. The success of AUS and all airports air service offerings is driven by passenger demand, government restrictions, and airline business models. Fares and destinations draw travelers to AUS, along with an enjoyable passenger experience with easy access in and out of the airport, clean facilities, local Austin-style food and live music, and friendly, welcoming staff. Offerings at AUS are also a result of airline decisions and factors such as aircraft availability, pilot shortages, pandemics, recessions, airline business models, fuel prices, and more.   

Note: To see the underlying data for this chart, please select the "View Source Data" link to the left. 

AUS in 2023 was the fastest recovering airport in the U.S., in both the medium-hub and large-hub FAA category of airports. In 2023, AUS had major investments by its top two airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, increasing capacity (number of seats) and destinations. We do not anticipate the seat capacity growth experienced in FY2023 to occur in FY2024 as airlines right-size service offerings for AUS. Furthermore American Airlines has announced a 30% reduction in seats and reduced international premium leisure flying. In spite of these reductions affecting FY24, AUS will be well ahead of pre-Covid levels for seat capacity.