Augusta Regional Airport Works To Add Third Carrier, Expand Flight Options

Augusta Regional Airport officials are pushing to bring a third airline into their facility. They want more nonstop routes to help with better prices and more choices for travelers.

Director of Innovation and Business Development Diane Johnston spoke Jan. 9, 2026, at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Means Business event at Newberry Hall. Currently, the airport has nonstop flights to Atlanta on Delta. American flies to Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Washington, D.C.

"We're constantly looking for better air service, obviously, so one of our main priorities is getting a third airline," Johnston said, according to the Aiken Standard.

A third airline means more competition which would bring fares down. Better customer service would also follow.

Officials also want additional nonstop routes to major cities across the country, with Chicago, Central Florida, and New York topping their wish list.

According to the Aiken Standard, checkpoint upgrades are happening now to speed travelers through security lines. A new taxi lane and ramp just went up off the north end. One company plans to make it bigger, which will create 500,000 square feet of additional ramp space.

The Georgia Department of Transportation reports the airport provides 2,639 jobs with a payroll hitting $101 million. Total economic impact is $285.7 million.