Journey With AUS is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's multi-year airport expansion, development and improvement program.
The Journey With AUS Vision: Meet the current and future needs of our growing region while staying true to our roots and elevating the passenger journey with an authentic Austin and Central Texas experience.
The program's overall scope and budget are currently in development.
The improvements will be funded through traditional airport development funding sources, such as airport cash reserves, current and future airport revenues, future revenue bond proceeds, and Federal Aviation Administration grants. No local Austin taxpayer dollars will be used to fund the program.
View the Journey With AUS program fact sheet here.
Construction Activities
Journey With AUS construction activities in the terminal may be noticeable to passengers.
Visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSConstructionUpdates for a list of scheduled and active construction activities.
Near-Term Improvements
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New Outbound Baggage Handling System
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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
Delivery and installation of the new system began in November 2022. The initial part of the new system is anticipated to begin processing bags in late 2024.Budget
The total cost for this project is approximately $241.5 million which includes related projects that will increase space and improve services.Learn More
Baggage Handling System project fact sheet
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Atrium Infill to Expand Passenger Processing
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Overview
More square feet added 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 13,000 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 pre-design phase.Budget
The estimated budget for design is $11 - $30 million. The estimated budget for construction is $80 - $120 million.
The space in the image highlighted in purple shows the area that will be filled in with floor.
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West Infill & TSA Checkpoint 3 Expansion
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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 expansion of the area by TSA Checkpoint 3 will add approximately 16,000 square feet to the terminal by enclosing the area from the edge of the concourse close to the current Checkpoint 3 to the terminal curbside (roadway). It will allow for the expansion of Checkpoint 3 from to 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, an additional checkpoint lane will be added to both checkpoints 2 West and 2 East.
Timeline
Currently at 60% design. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.Budget
The total estimated cost for this project is approximately $241.5 million which includes other related projects that will increase space and improve services.Photo
Architectural rendering at 60% design of exterior of TSA Checkpoint 3 area.
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West Gate Terminal Expansion
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Overview
Addition of 84,500 gross sq ft over three levels. 30,000 sq ft on the concourse level including a new 3rd 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 3 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
- Children’s play area
- 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
Construction started in summer 2023.Construction is estimated to be completed in Spring 2026.
Budget
The total estimated cost for this project is approximately $165 million.View the West Gate Expansion project fact sheet here
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International Arrivals Optimization
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Overview
New baggage carousels, more space for passenger queuing and more booths to process customers undergoing the customs process will be added to the International Arrivals facility.Timeline
The near-term improvements are currently in design.Budget
The total estimated cost for the improvements is in development. -
BJT Restrooms Refresh Project
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BJT Restrooms Refresh Project
Overview
Restrooms located on both east and west sides of the Barbara Jordan Terminal (BJT) food court will receive a cosmetic refresh. This includes:- New fixtures
- Fresh paint
- New sink countertops
- New mirrors
Timeline
Work on the east restrooms began in mid-August and finished late September. Work on the east restroom is underway.Budget
The total estimated cost for this project is approximately $350,000.Photo
Completed work on west women's restrooms.
Long-Term Expansion and Development Projects
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Concourse B
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Overview
The project will design and build a new 20-gate 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
The concourse and tunnel are currently in the pre-design phase.Budget
The estimated project budget for design and construction is $1.1 - 2.0 billion. -
Tunnel to Concourse B Interface
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Overview
The project will include the interface of the tunnel coming from future Concourse B with the Barbara Jordan Terminal, and the reconfiguration of apron-level baggage makeup areas and airline baggage offices.The project may also include modernization of all levels of the center and west end of the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal, including improvements to existing utilities and other infrastructure.
Timeline
Currently in the pre-design phase.Budget
The estimated budget for design is $14 - $27 million. The estimated budget for construction is $200 - $375 million. -
Parking
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Overview - West Garage
AUS will construct of a new 6,500-7,500 space, multi-level garage north of the existing Blue Garage. The West Garage will include intelligent parking systems, revenue control and roadway realignment.Timeline
Currently in the pre-design phase.Budget
The estimated budget for the new parking garage is in development.Overview - Surface Parking
This project will design and build multiple surface parking lots to support the airport’s long-term passenger growth. Lots will vary in size from 300 spaces to 5,000 spaces. Parking lots will include revenue control, lighting, line marking, drainage improvements and new shuttle bus facilities.Timeline
Currently in the pre-design phase.Budget
The estimated budget for the new parking garage is in development. -
Arrivals and Departure Hall
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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 demolition of the existing Red Garage and associated roadways and utilities.Timeline
Currently in the pre-design phase.Budget
The estimated budget for the new parking garage is in development.
Airfield, Utility and Infrastructure Projects
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Airfield Infrastructure
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Overview
Two parallel midfield taxiways will provide connectivity between the east and west side of the airport when the existing midfield taxiways are removed to build Concourse B.Timeline
Currently in the design phase.Budget
The total estimated budget for the midfield taxiway project is $6,300,000. -
AUS Central Utility Plant Relocation
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Overview
The project will design, construct and commission a new, appropriately sized Central Utility Plant (CUP) and associated thermal energy storage (TES) to provide reliable, redundant and resilient service for the existing and future AUS cooling and heating loads.The new CUP will include chillers, cooling towers, pumps, control systems, piping and TES to meet cooling and heating demand for the AUS expansion. Project includes chilled water and hot water hydronic piping, valves and heat exchanger connections to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal. Project includes utility connections to serve the new CUP.
Timeline
The new Central Utility Plant is currently in the pre-design phase.Budget
The estimated budget for design and construction is $102 - $192 million. -
Utility Infrastructure Campus-Wide
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Overview
The project encompasses multiple utility works, including design, permitting and construction, in support of expansion and development projects at AUS.Major utilities to be addressed include domestic water, reclaimed water, sanitary sewer, hydronic piping chilled/hot water, stormwater drainage and water quality ponds; power supply, electrical duct banks, communication systems, FAA duct banks, natural gas and aircraft fueling distribution (in coordination with a third party).
Timeline
Utility projects are currently in the pre-design phase.Budget
The estimated budget for design is $12 - $22 million. The estimated budget for construction is $167 - $312 million. -
Vacant Building Removal
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Overview
Removal of 30+ unused and vacant buildings to make room for future development.Timeline
Building removal started in summer 2023.Budget
The estimated budget for building removal is $14 million.
Photos of unused and vacant buildings that will be removed for future development.
New Facilities & Other Enabling Projects
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New Air Cargo Facility
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Overview
Design, build, and lease a new flexible cargo facility with airside access and space for trailer staging and employee parking.Timeline
Currently under construction and estimated to complete construction in late 2023.Budget
Approximately $33 million.
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New Airline Fuel Facility
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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.Timeline
Currently under construction and is estimated to begin operations in 2024.Budget
Approximately $70 million, funded by the AUS Fuels airline fueling consortium.Learn More
Click here to visit the fuel facility project website to learn more.
Community Information and News
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News
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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport breaks ground on terminal expansion with West Gate Expansion project - August 2023
AUS launches survey for travelers to help inform expansion design - June 2023
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is doing preliminary construction work to accommodate new, upgraded TSA screening machines - April 2023
Austin-Bergstrom invites neighbors & travelers to an Airport Open House at the Southeast Branch Library - January 2023
Architecture and Management Support Services firms selected for airport improvement program - December 2022
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport starts installation of new outbound baggage handling system - November 2022
Journey With AUS expansion & development projects cleared for take-off with an FAA-approved Environmental Assessment - August 2022
AUS launches communications campaign for Airport Expansion and Development Program - August 2022
$15 Million from Infrastructure Law Coming to Austin Airport for Expansion Project - July 2022
AUS secures $400 million of funding for Airport Expansion and Development Program projects - May, 2022
AUS to hold Environmental Assessment open house, virtual meeting - March 2022
AUS opens new TSA security checkpoint - December 2021
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Business Opportunities
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Archived Public Meeting Materials
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On September 12, 2023, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport leadership shared an update on the expansion program to Austin City Council.
On January 19th, 2023, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport held an Open House for neighbors, the traveling public, and the community to learn more about our active and upcoming improvement, development and expansion projects.
Meeting Materials
If you missed the event, see below for a tour of the Open House
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Environmental Review & Assessment
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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.
