City of Austin

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is excited to celebrate the completion of the new Outbound Baggage Handling System (BHS), a major upgrade to baggage processing as part of the Journey With AUS Expansion Program. This high-tech system processes 4,000 bags per hour, significantly enhancing reliability and helping reduce flight delays—so passengers can get where they’re going on time.

“The new Outbound Baggage Handling System supports our broader goals of economic development and sustainability, plus it grows our airport in a smart way. As we welcome more visitors, businesses, and new residents, AUS plays a vital role in connecting Austin to the world,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.

"This Journey With AUS project reflects our commitment to our passengers. From the skilled trades building this system to the airport staff who will operate it, this project supports hundreds of jobs right here in Austin, while helping us meet the needs of a growing city," said Mayor Pro Tempore, Vanessa Fuentes.

The new BHS upgrade will improve AUS's outbound luggage process, that moves checked luggage from the check-in counter, through security screening and to the aircraft. The BHS is an interconnected network of moving parts including conveyor belts and equipment, most of which require upgrades to meet modern, industry standards. This project broke ground in winter 2022 and was originally set for completion in Spring 2026. AUS is excited to announce that, in partnership with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and Gensler architects, the project has been completed early. The improved system is intended to meet the future demand of 37 million annual passengers. 

Key features of this project include:

• Upgraded technology and equipment
• Increase system reliability
• Decrease in potential flight delays from AUS
• Meets growing outbound passenger demand

Under the new system, which can process more than twice the number of bags as the previous system, bags travel on 1.5 miles of new conveyor belts that take them from the airline ticket counters to the Baggage Makeup Area, where they are loaded onto aircraft by airline teams.

“This project is a testament to the power of partnership between the Airport, TSA, our airline partners, and our consultants, designers, and construction teams. Together, we’re building a bigger, better AUS for the people of Austin and Central Texas by strengthening the backbone of our airport so it can better serve our community and passengers for decades to come,” said AUS Chief Executive Officer, Ghizlane Badawi.

The project cost approximately $241.5 million. Funding for this project comes from traditional airport development funding sources such as airport cash reserves, current and future airport revenues, future revenue bond proceeds and Federal Aviation Administration grants.

Project partners include:

• Prime Contractor: Whiting-Turner
• Architect: Gensler
• Subject Matter Expert: AECOM
• Equipment Manufacturer: Siemens
• Conceptual Designer: VTC
• Structural Designer: Structures
• MEP Engineer: Graef

The new Outbound Baggage Handling System 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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Information for Media
The AUS Public Information Office aims to make it simple and easy for media to access and cover the airport. View our media guide here for information and resources. Prior to arriving to the airport, please call the on-call PIO at 512-715-4287 or email us at AUSMedia@FlyAustin.com to arrange to park in media parking. All vehicles in media parking will require a brief security inspection prior to leaving the vehicle unattended.

About Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Owned by the City of Austin and operated by Austin Aviation, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport achieved large-hub status by the Federal Aviation Administration for the first time in 2022. Austin-Bergstrom is an economic engine, supplying over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Central Texas region.

The airport serves approximately 20 million passengers a year and is home to over 40 local brands to shop and dine at, 8 live music stages and more than 15 airlines. As we build the airport’s largest improvement program in its history, we are redefining the travel experience in one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, careers information, and details on the many services provided at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport visit FlyAustin.com. You can also follow Austin-Bergstrom on Facebook, X, and Instagram. 

About Journey With AUS
Journey With AUS is the Austin-Bergstrom Airport Expansion and Development program. The program is a strategic, phased approach to guiding construction and improvement projects, including select 2040 Master Plan projects and near-term improvements to address record-breaking growth at AUS. Journey With AUS projects will improve the passenger experience and meet the rising demand for air service at AUS through optimizing the Barbara Jordan Terminal through improvements that accommodate forecasted demand and enhance operations; expanding infrastructure to increase gates; constructing a new midfield concourse, and connecting tunnel. Driving regional economic recovery and supporting Austin’s growth is a primary goal of the program. The expansion program will make ~$400 million in funding available for small businesses.