SkyWest Flight SKW4163 Embraer E175 from Austin to Nashville Diverts to Memphis International Airport on July 21

On July 21, 2026, SkyWest Flight SKW4163 (operating as OO4163) from Austin to Nashville was forced to divert mid-flight, making an unscheduled touchdown at Memphis International Airport.

The Disruption Details

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, SkyWest Flight SKW4163 (also operating as OO4163) experienced an unscheduled mid-flight route alteration while en route from Texas to Tennessee.

The aircraft, an Embraer E175 bearing registration N322SY, departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Gate 3 at 6:57 PM CDT, scheduled to arrive at Nashville International Airport (BNA) at 9:18 PM CDT.

Flight radar data confirms the regional jet was redirected toward Memphis International Airport (MEM), touching down at Gate B9 at 9:39 PM CDT—21 minutes past its scheduled arrival time in Nashville.

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Flight & Airport Impact Breakdown

• Affected Aircraft: Embraer E175 (Tail Registration N322SY).
• Scheduled Route: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Nashville International Airport (BNA).
• Diverted Hub: Memphis International Airport (MEM), landing at Gate B9 at 9:39 PM CDT.
• Passenger Impact: Travelers bound for Nashville arrived in Memphis, requiring ground transfers or onward rebooking.

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Passenger Rights & Advisory (Information Gain)

Under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) aviation guidelines, passengers affected by domestic diversions are entitled to specific operational protections:

• Onward Transportation & Rebooking: If the diversion stems from airline-controllable factors (such as mechanical issues or crew scheduling limits), the operating carrier must rebook passengers onto the next available flight to Nashville or arrange ground transport.
• Meal & Lodging Vouchers: When a diversion forces an overnight delay in Memphis, carriers must provide meal vouchers and hotel accommodations for non-resident passengers.
• Refund Eligibility: Passengers who choose to abandon their trip at the diversion airport due to significant schedule disruption are entitled to a full cash refund for the unflown flight segments.

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Industry Analyst View

Flight diversions to alternate hubs like Memphis highlight the operational flexibility of regional carrier networks.

Memphis International Airport's capacity allows air traffic control to route diverted regional jets quickly without causing systemic airspace congestion across eastern flight corridors.

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1. SkyWest Flight SKW4163 Operational Timeline & Diversion Details

Flight Parameter	Scheduled Operational Detail	Actual Operational Status
Flight Number	SKW4163 / OO4163	Diverted en route
Aircraft Model	Embraer E175	Tail Registration N322SY
Origin Airport	Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) Gate 3	Departed 6:57 PM CDT (July 21, 2026)
Scheduled Destination	Nashville International (BNA)	Scheduled Arrival 9:18 PM CDT
Actual Touchdown Hub	Memphis International (MEM) Gate B9	Landed 9:39 PM CDT (+21 min variance)

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Key Takeaways

• Mid-Flight Diversion: SkyWest SKW4163 (Embraer E175 N322SY) diverted from Nashville to Memphis on July 21.
• Departure & Touchdown: Departed Austin at 6:57 PM CDT and landed in Memphis at 9:39 PM CDT.
• Passenger Protocol: DOT rules mandate rebooking, meals, and lodging for controllable diversion delays.
• Hub Infrastructure: Memphis International Gate B9 safely handled the unscheduled arrival.

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FAQ

Why did SkyWest Flight SKW4163 divert to Memphis?

The flight diverted to Memphis International Airport due to an operational route change during flight from Austin to Nashville on July 21, 2026.

What aircraft operated SkyWest Flight SKW4163?

The flight was operated by an Embraer E175 regional aircraft with tail registration N322SY.

What rights do passengers have when a US flight diverts?

Under US DOT guidelines, if the diversion is within airline control, passengers are entitled to free rebooking onto the next flight, meals, and hotel vouchers for overnight delays.