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City of Austin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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From left to right: Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, AUS CEO Ghizlane Badawi, and TSA Deputy Assistant Federal Security Director Terry Zweschper pose for a photo in front of a "Journey With AUS" branded backdrop at the Atrium Infill event. They are holding blue folders and are dressed in professional attire, smiling confidently for the camera.

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is moving forward with a new key project as part of its Journey With AUS Expansion Program. The Atrium Infill Project will add approximately 12,000 square feet to the Arrivals and Departures Hall of the Barbara Jordan Terminal, increasing space for passenger processing functions and enhancing the overall travel experience.

This expansion will increase capacity for travelers waiting in line for TSA security screening.  Following the rapid growth in airline activity and passenger activity in 2022, lines for TSA security screening have extended outside the terminal doors on busy travel days, this project will add the critically needed space to keep the lines inside the terminal until the future new Arrivals and Departures Hall opens as early as 2030. The new space will be constructed by filling in the current open-air atrium above the baggage claim area.

Key features of this project include:

  • Expanded queueing areas for security
  • Upgraded mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
  • Enhanced baggage claim facilities
  • Designed to meet Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) 3-star sustainability standards
  • A new Art in Public Places permanent installation led by local artist and mural painter, Josef Kristofoletti and artist, Matthew Mazzotta.

This project will be highly visible to both departing and arriving travelers with temporary construction walls and occasional noise in the impacted areas. However, no impact to TSA security screening capacity or flight schedules are anticipated.

The Barbara Jordan statue in baggage claim will be temporarily enclosed for protection. The beloved statue will be re-unveiled following the project's completion in 2026.

The estimated cost of the project is about $50 million, with approximately $25 million obtained through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Project partners include:

  • Prime Contractor: Whiting-Turner
  • Designer: Corgan

The Atrium Infill Project is one of many initiatives in the Journey With AUS program, a strategic investment plan to modernize and expand Austin’s airport infrastructure while meeting the growth and demands of the Central Texas region.

For more information about the Journey With AUS Expansion Program and upcoming improvements, visit Austintexas.gov/AUSJourney.

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