International Arrivals Improvements Have Arrived at AUS

Journey With AUS, the expansion program at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), has reached a major milestone! The now-finished International Arrivals Improvements project expanded the airport’s square footage by 20,600 square feet. This was accomplished by using the airport’s available space on the Arrivals Level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal in a different configuration.

For example, the project redesigned the baggage claim carousels for international arrivals. By removing the baggage carousel in the Customs and Border Protection area, travelers returning from destinations abroad now have more space to queue. This improvement in passenger flow and capacity for international travelers greatly improves the passenger experience by shortening wait times.

Travelers will now also enjoy Baggage Carousel 8, a dedicated baggage carousel for international travelers that can accommodate oversized luggage. Baggage Carousel 8 is now located after travelers go through Customs and Border Protection processing. “It’s a whole new process,” said Kareem Huwaidi, Project Coordinator at AUS. The former configuration of the International Arrivals area required passengers to collect their baggage first and then proceed through Customs and Border Protection processing.

Another improvement for international travelers is the ability for Baggage Carousels 6 and 7 to convert between international and domestic arrival carousels, depending on which flights have just arrived. This will assist passengers in enjoying the increase in international flights at AUS. “All three [Baggage Claims 6-8] on a Saturday could be used as international,” said Rohini Kumarage, Airport Development Officer at AUS.

As part of the International Arrivals Improvements project, Baggage Claim 6 was made into a full-size baggage carousel to accommodate the dramatic increase in travelers. This new baggage carousel recently went viral when Armie the Armadillo stuffed plushies took Baggage Carousel 6 for a spin! Travelers should be on the lookout this summer on the AUS X and Facebook pages for more opportunities to check out more content of Armie, the Journey With AUS mascot.

The near-term improvements of the International Arrivals Improvements project began in August 2024 with the goal of maximizing space flexibility within the current footprint, enhancing passenger flow, and improving processing efficiency. This project’s completion makes it possible to accommodate multiple international flights arriving simultaneously and provides the airport with increased operational flexibility. The International Arrivals Improvements project managers focused on the AUS passenger experience and increasing levels of service. “The passengers are our number one priority, not just for this project, but for all projects,” said Kumarage.

At the International Arrivals Improvements project ribbon cutting on June 18, AUS Chief Executive Officer Ghizlane Badawi said in the future, Baggage Claims 1-8 will all be International Arrivals, because we will have a new Arrivals and Departures Hall as part of the Journey With AUS expansion program.

Travelers arriving from international destinations will now enjoy the bright, spacious International Arrivals area with its multitude of improvements!

You can find more information about this major milestone and other Journey With AUS expansion program projects here.