Hawaiian Airlines Discontinues Flights to Austin; Starts Network Integration with Alaska Airlines
In a recent development, Hawaiian Airlines has announced the cessation of its service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) as of March 26, 2025. This decision comes amidst a challenging travel environment that has affected many US airlines, including Hawaiian, due to fading international demand, Canadian travel backlash, and tariff-related pressures impacting route viability[1].
The Austin-HNL route, which spans a distance of 3,764 miles, was launched by Hawaiian Airlines during the pandemic in April 2021[2]. However, the airline's decision to pull the plug on this service seems to be a strategic response to the market conditions rather than an exit from the Austin market altogether. Given Hawaiian Airlines' focus on leisure travel markets and the importance of Honolulu as a hub, it is possible that they may reassess or restructure service offerings in the future in alignment with market demand and broader economic factors, though no specific plans have been announced as of now[1][5].
Meanwhile, Hawaiian Airlines has not revealed any passenger-friendly compromises during the Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger, which moved one step closer to completion earlier this year[4]. In terms of the Honolulu to Austin market, no specific plans for new or resumed services have been publicly announced[3]. However, the one-stop connections on this route will be powered by the legacy Alaska Airlines network[6].
Interestingly, on June 12, 2025, Hawaiian Airlines will no longer fly between San Diego and Kahului, with Alaska Airlines adding a second daily flight on the route instead[7]. This move is part of the network integration between the merged carriers, with one Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 being upgauged to an Airbus A330 on the Seattle to Honolulu route, and Hawaiian's Airbus A330 accommodating more passengers and expanding cargo capacity on the Honolulu to Austin market, effective April 22, 2025[3][5].
The U.S. Department of Justice did not block the Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger, but the airlines were required to make some concessions to the Department of Transportation to close the deal[8]. As more announcements become available, they would likely appear through official Hawaiian Airlines channels or aviation news updates.
In conclusion, the discontinuation of Hawaiian Airlines' service on the Austin-Honolulu route is a response to the current market challenges, with no specific plans for the Honolulu to Austin market announced as of now. The merger between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines is progressing, and changes in the network are being implemented, such as the addition of a second daily flight on the San Diego to Kahului route by Alaska Airlines.
[1] Hawaiian Airlines ends service on Austin-Honolulu route amid market challenges [2] Hawaiian Airlines launches new service between Austin and Honolulu [3] Hawaiian Airlines to upgauge one-stop connections on Honolulu to Austin route [4] Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger moves closer to completion [5] Hawaiian Airlines to expand cargo capacity on Austin-Honolulu route [6] One-stop connections on Honolulu to Austin route powered by Alaska Airlines network [7] Hawaiian Airlines to cease flying between San Diego and Kahului, Alaska Airlines to add second daily flight [8] Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger: What you need to know
- Amidst the challenging travel environment, various US airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, are adjusting their service offerings due to factors like fading international demand, Canadian travel backlash, and tariff-related pressures.
- Hotels and dining establishments in Austin, Honolulu, and other destinations may see changes in traveler numbers following the discontinuation of Hawaiian Airlines' service on the Austin-Honolulu route.
- Guides and travel experts may need to update their recommendations for travelers planning trips to Hawaii from Austin, as no specific plans for resumed services have been announced.
- Finance and industry analysts are closely watching the developments within the aerospace and airline industries as the merger between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines progresses.
- Credit card companies and travel rewards programs could see shifts in partnerships and benefits, as the Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger could potentially alter the loyalty programs of both airlines.
- The discontinuation of Hawaiian Airlines' service on the Austin-Honolulu route and the additions to the San Diego-Kahului route by Alaska Airlines indicate restructuring within the travel industry, which investors may find noteworthy.
- News outlets focusing on business, finance, travel, and aviation will likely continue to monitor and report on the developments within Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and the broader travel industry.
