Journey With AUS - The Austin-Bergstrom Airport Expansion & Development Program

View a map that outlines the general locations of each project. Project size and scope are subject to change. 

Near-Term Improvements 

New Outbound Baggage Handling System

Overview

Creation of a centralized baggage processing system for departing checked bags to meet the demand of 30 million annual passengers. New conveyor belts and an expanded system will have checked luggage travel across 1.5 miles of conveyor belts. Once fully completed, the system will process 4,000 bags per hour and will increase system reliability, meaning bags will be less likely to miss their flights and flights will be less likely to be delayed due to delayed bags. 

Timeline

• Currently in the build phase. 
• Delivery and installation of the new system began in November 2022. Phase 1 reached substantial completion and the new system began screening bags in summer 2024.
• Phase 2's estimated completion year is 2026. 

Budget

Approximately $241 million which includes the new Outbound Baggage Handling System, West Infill,  International Arrivals Improvements, and other related projects.

Learn More

Baggage Handling System project fact sheet

Outbound Baggage Handling System - Phase 1.

Atrium Infill to Expand Passenger Processing

Overview

The Atrium Infill project will add more square feet to the terminal for security screening, bag check and passenger processing by filling in existing open space above baggage claim.

The project will add approximately 12,000 square feet of concourse level floor plate to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The elevated slab will be constructed while the existing vertical circulation is kept in place. The project will include all required signage and way-finding, special system upgrades, and fire-life-safety improvements.

The project will also upgrade the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as needed. The suspended slab will likely require enhancements to the existing structural capacity. The project will also study a mezzanine level infill and provide a report with findings and recommendations.

Timeline

• Currently in the construction phase.
• The project is estimated to be completed in 2026.

Budget

The total estimated cost for this project is approximately $30 million.

Learn More 

View the Atrium Infill fact sheet here.

 

West Infill & TSA Checkpoint 3 Expansion 

Overview

AUS is creating more terminal square feet through the West Infill project to house the new Outbound Baggage Handling System and to expand TSA Checkpoint 3. 

TSA Checkpoint 3 Expansion 

The West Infill project is a renovation to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal from the back edge of the existing concourse to existing terminal curbside roadway. With the addition of over 75,000 square feet over 4 levels, this project will allow for the expansion of Checkpoint 3 from 2 lanes to up to 8 lanes. This space expansion includes the baggage claim, apron, concourse, mezzanine and roof levels. 

TSA checkpoint improvements have been completed at all 4 TSA checkpoints and the new Computed Tomography (CT) scanners for carry-on items have been installed. The new technology provides enhanced detection of threat items, such as weapons and improves screening efficiency by creating 3-D images that allow for more comprehensive views of contents inside bags. 

To offset the closure of TSA Checkpoint 3 during construction, additional lanes were added to Checkpoints 2 West and 2 East. 

Timeline

• Currently in the build phase. 

•  The project is estimated to be completed in 2026.

Budget

Approximately $241 million which includes the new Outbound Baggage Handling System, West Infill, International Arrivals Improvements, and other related projects.

Learn More

View the West Infill & TSA Checkpoint 3 fact sheet here.

 

 

West Gate Terminal Expansion

Overview
Addition of 84,500 gross sq ft over three levels—30,000 sq ft on the concourse level including a new third-level mezzanine and apron-level airline support space for new passenger amenities. Also included in the project scope are the replacement of 12 current gate boarding bridges and the creation of three new gates to offset gate closures during future expansion projects. 

Some of the new features in this new additional space are:

• Five new waiting seating areas
• Three new gates (these will offset future gate closures needed to accommodate other expansion projects.)
• Dining areas for new concessionaires
• Additional restrooms
• Playscape
• Meditation/quiet room
• Family and nursing rooms
• Pet relief room
• New mezzanine with a public outdoor balcony and indoor seated viewing area over the concourse

Timeline

• Currently in the build phase. 
•  The project is estimated to be completed in 2026.

Budget

The total estimated cost for this project is approximately $165 million.

Learn More

View the West Gate Expansion project fact sheet here.

 

 

 

International Arrivals Improvements

Overview

Additional 20,600 square feet for passenger queuing, new baggage carousels, office space for Customs and Border Protection, and more booths to process customers undergoing the customs process will be added to the International Arrivals facility.

The project will maximize and create flexibility all within the current space. The improvements will allow for additional queuing space for passengers and will create space for more booths to process multiple arriving international flights at once. Once cleared through customs, passengers will enjoy new bag carousels that can transition between international arrivals and domestic arrivals, providing the airport flexibility.

Timeline

• Near-term improvements are currently in the build phase.

•  The project is estimated to be completed in 2025.

Budget

Approximately $241 million which includes the new Outbound Baggage Handling System, West Infill, International Arrivals Improvements, and other related projects.

Temporary Hold Room Facility

Overview

The project will add six temporary gates that allow for six narrow body aircraft; four gates will be contact gates and two gates will be walk out gates. The Temporary Hold Room Facility will be separate from the Barbara Jordan Terminal to allow for terminal expansion construction. Once the temporary gates are no longer needed, the Temporary Hold Room Facility will turn into a belly freight facility.

Some of the new features of the space are:

• Restrooms
• Vending machines
• 35,000 square feet for airlines to board and deplane their passengers
• Shuttle buses to and from the Barbara Jordan Terminal
• Food truck with outdoor courtyard
• Public WiFi
• Canopies to provide shade for passengers using walk out gates and shuttle buses

The project will be located on the west side of the airfield.

Timeline

• Currently in the design phase.

• Construction is estimated to begin in early 2026.

*Photo depicts shuttle bus operation at Miami International Airport

Long-Term Expansion and Development Projects

Concourse B and Connector Tunnel

Overview

The project will design and build a new, 20 gate midfield concourse to meet the airport’s long-term passenger activity level demand. The project will include all passenger and tenant spaces, passenger boarding bridges, baggage handling system expansion, apron support spaces, back of the house, baggage makeup, tug and other support spaces, and all related aircraft apron expansion and underground utilities, including in-pavement hydrant fueling system.​

The project will also include the construction of a new subgrade tunnel that will connect the Barbara Jordan Terminal interface with the new Concourse B and include the capability of expanding to a new Concourse C. The tunnel must include passenger access and circulation areas, egress, ventilation, Right of Way for baggage handling system, utilities, IT and technology, and mechanical and electrical room space. The tunnel will incorporate a passenger conveyance system to assist with passenger movement and capacity for a future Automated People Mover (passenger train) corridor.

Timeline

• Currently in the design phase.
• Concourse B is estimated to open as early as 2030.

Budget

Austin City Council authorized $72 million for engineering and architectural services and $1.031 billion for pre-construction and construction services.

Pre-design conceptual rendering. Final design specifications and features subject to change as the project progresses.

Parking

Yellow Garage

Overview
AUS will construct of a new 7,000 space, multi-level garage north of the existing Blue Garage. The new garage will include intelligent parking systems, revenue control and roadway realignment.

Timeline

• The Yellow Garage broke ground in February 2025. 
• The first 3,000 parking spaces will open in 2026, allowing teams to move forward with the Red Garage removal to make way for the new Barbara Jordan Terminal Arrivals and Departures Hall expansion. The Yellow Garage will be completed in 2027. 

Budget

Austin City Council authorized $15 million for engineering and architectural services and $250 million for pre-construction and construction services.

Surface Parking

Overview 

This project will design and build a surface parking lot in three phases to support the airport’s long-term passenger growth. Once complete, the lot will include approximately 1,400 spaces. The surface lot project includes revenue control, lighting, line marking, drainage improvements and new shuttle bus shelters. 

Timeline

• Surface Parking Phase 1 opened with Economy Lot H in late 2024. 
• Surface Parking Phases 2 and 3 are currently in the design phase.

Budget

Austin City Council authorized $8 million for Phase 1 construction services.

View the Yellow Garage and Surface Lot Parking fact sheet. 

Arrivals and Departures Hall

Overview
This project will design and build a new Arrivals and Departures (A/D) Hall that meets Optimum Level of Service standards. ​The new A/D Hall will include expanded ticketing and check-in areas, ​consolidated security checkpoints, additional tenant and concession spaces, and ​expanded baggage make-up and baggage claim areas​. Enabling projects will include removal of the existing Red Garage and associated roadways and utilities.  

Timeline

• Currently in the design phase.
• The Arrivals and Departures Hall is estimated to open as early as 2030. 
   

Budget
Austin City Council authorized $45 million for engineering and architectural services and $820 million for pre-construction and construction services.

Pre-design conceptual rendering. Final design specifications and features subject to change as the project progresses.

Pre-design conceptual rendering. Final design specifications and features subject to change as the project progresses.

Pre-design conceptual rendering. Final design specifications and features subject to change as the project progresses.

Airfield, Utility and Infrastructure Projects 

Midfield Taxiways

Overview

In order to build a new, 20+ gate concourse, AUS will construct two new concrete parallel midfield taxiways: paths for aircraft that connect between the runway, the terminal, and other airfield facilities. The new midfield taxiways will connect the east and west side of the airfield and provide access to the existing maintenance ramp. This project also includes taxiway bridges, sustainability and utility improvements, and more.

Some of the new features include:

• Two miles of 2 new parallel taxiways and several smaller connector taxiways to support Concourse B and future concourses
• Two bridges under taxiways to add connectivity for airfield support services
• Airfield lighting, signage, and new taxi route for low-visibility conditions 
• Enhancements to security fencing
• New reclaimed water bulk refilling station 
• Pavement recycling, building demolition, utility relocation, and drainage improvements
• Roadway changes and a new parking lot on the south side of airport property

Timeline

• Currently in the build phase.
•  The project is estimated to be completed in 2027.

Budget

Austin City Council authorized $26.7 million for engineering and architectural services and $320 million for pre-construction and construction services.

Learn More

View the Midfield Taxiways project fact sheet here.

View the Midfield Taxiways Envision feedback form here.

New Central Utility Plant

Overview

The project will design, construct and commission a new Central Utility Plant (CUP) and associated chilled water thermal energy storage (TES) to reliably cool and heat the airport as we continue to expand. The new CUP includes new chilled and hot water hydronic piping to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal, as well as chillers, cooling towers, pumps, control systems, and utility connections.

Timeline

• Currently in the design phase.
• Construction is estimated to begin in 2025. 

Budget

Austin City Council authorized $162 million for design and construction services.

Utility Infrastructure Campus-Wide

Overview

The Utility Infrastructure Campus-Wide (UICW) project involves expanding or enhancing existing and newly proposed utilities to meet the airport’s growing demands. The project encompasses improvements to a range of AUS utility systems, including AUS’s electrical power distribution center and electrical system, storm drainage, water quality pond/de-icing pond, detention pond, reclaimed water, hydronic piping (chilled and hot water), information technology/telecommunications duct banks, and other utility extensions to be identified and seamlessly coordinated as the Journey With AUS program advances.

Timeline

• Currently in the design phase.
• Construction is estimated to start as early as late 2025.

Budget

Austin City Council authorized $10 million for engineering and architectural services and $120 million for pre-construction and construction services.

New Facilities and Completed Projects

New Air Cargo Facility

Overview

Design, build, and lease a new flexible cargo facility with airside access and space for trailer staging and employee parking.

This project is substantially completed. 

New Airline Fuel Facility 

Overview

Addition of a second airplane fuel facility to have enough fuel supply on hand to meet the projected demand increase of 3% to 5% annually over the next ten years. 

This project is substantially completed and the facility began operations in 2024. 

Learn More

Click here to visit the fuel facility project website to learn more.

Haga clic aquí para ver el sitio web del proyecto de instalación de combustible para obtener más información.

Vacant Building Removal 

Overview

30+ unused and vacant buildings were removed on the South side of the airport property to make room for future development. This work was completed in 2023.

Photos of unused and vacant buildings that were removed for future development.

Terminal Restroom Refresh Project

Overview

Restrooms located on both east and west sides of the Barbara Jordan Terminal (BJT) food court received a cosmetic refresh. This includes:

• New fixtures
• Fresh paint
• New sink countertops
• New mirrors

This project was completed in 2023.

New TSA Security Checkpoint 

Overview

In 2021, the Department of Aviation partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to open a new TSA Checkpoint to address the record-breaking growth in airline and passenger activity the airport experienced shortly after COVID-19 vaccines became available and travel bans were lifted. The Checkpoint opened in December 2021 and is currently used by TSA as a General Screening Checkpoint. 

More Information and News

Business Opportunities

Visit this page for more information on Airport Expansion and Development Program business opportunities.

Program Funding

All projects within the Journey With AUS airport expansion and development program are funded by airport revenue bonds , revenue the airport makes from rent and fees charged to airlines and other tenants, passenger facility charges and Federal Aviation Administration grants. No local City of Austin taxpayer dollars are to be used to fund this expansion. 

Environmental Review & Assessment

After reviewing the Final Environmental Assessment, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved on July 22, 2022 an environmental Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)/Record of Decision for the proposed Journey With AUS projects.

Visit the Environmental Assessment webpage to read the Environmental Assessment, review archived meeting materials and more.