San Antonio International Airport News & Updates

[satx]

I’ve noticed the southwest thinning of routes I use, including Baltimore and Orlando. That isn’t necessarily a San Antonio specific issue. But between the terminal dispute, the expansion in Austin, and the overall network thinning in tandem with more of a hub and spoke model, I don’t see how Southwest’s capacity at SAT has a long term path forward. I’m not suggesting a full pullout but I can see big reductions akin to Atlanta in the near future, especially if they lose the terminal dispute (which seems likely).

[texboy]

Originally Posted by JACKinBeantown

I guess that means there's zero chance of a fourth terminal in that location in the future.

Well... yea in that location, but there is space (if the maintenance hangars are relocated) for a fourth terminal parallel to terminal C.

[JACKinBeantown]

That's true.

[texboy]

Originally Posted by satx

I’ve noticed the southwest thinning of routes I use, including Baltimore and Orlando. That isn’t necessarily a San Antonio specific issue. But between the terminal dispute, the expansion in Austin, and the overall network thinning in tandem with more of a hub and spoke model, I don’t see how Southwest’s capacity at SAT has a long term path forward. I’m not suggesting a full pullout but I can see big reductions akin to Atlanta in the near future, especially if they lose the terminal dispute (which seems likely).

I think if Southwest starts pulling back, it would be incredibly stupid on their part. They've done all the proving on routes for other airlines to swoop in and grab market share... thinking Breeze here. But... they are definitely going to the hub and spoke model of the other 3... so guess it wouldn't be a total surprise. Just crazy to think they would drop one of their 3 original markets like that... in a growing city at that. I think there is a case to be made that (yes Southwest will lose their argument with the FAA) after its all over... the airport and Southwest can make amends and come to an agreement on terminal A. I will reiterate that SA is in fact one of their more lucrative markets in terms of profit margin so I wouldn't understand why they would drop routes in SA. I could 100% see them keeping SA as maybe some sort of secondary hub/"Focus City" to maintain dominance. They won't be dropping Dallas or Houston just because they are hubbing Austin, so apparently its not THAT hard to have multiple hubs in the state of Texas.

[Dot]

Might be anecdotal but southwest has thinned and raised their prices on KSAT - KELP. Wife and I now drive out there instead of flying because it’s that much more expensive. I wish Breeze or someone would pick up their slack on that specific route. I seldom took a flight that wasn’t completely full.