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 our Construction Updates page for a list of scheduled and active construction activities.
Speaker's Bureau
Interested in having an airport representative come and speak to your group or organization about Journey With AUS? Fill out our Speaker Request Form here.
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
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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
- 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.
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
Outbound Baggage Handling System - Phase 1.
- Atrium Infill to Expand Passenger Processing
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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 design phase.
Budget
The total estimated cost for this project is approximately $30 million.
- 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 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, an additional checkpoint lane will be added to both Checkpoints 2 West and 2 East.
Timeline
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Currently in the build phase.
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Construction started in spring 2024. Construction is estimated to be completed in spring 2026.
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.
Learn More
View the West Infill & TSA Checkpoint 3 fact sheet here.
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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 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.
- 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.
Learn More
View the West Gate Expansion project fact sheet here.
- International Arrivals Improvements
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Overview
Additional 6,000 gross sq ft 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
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Near-term improvements are currently in the build phase.
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Construction is estimated to be completed in summer 2025.
Budget
The total estimated cost for this project is approximately $11.4 million.
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- Temporary Hold Room Facility
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Overview
The project will add a temporary gate hold room facility that provides early gate capacity to enhance operational resiliency. Also included in the project scope are six narrow body gate positions.
Some of the new features of the space are:
- Restrooms
- Vending machines
- Circulation for arrivals and departures
- Bussing operation from the Barbara Jordan Terminal
The project will be located on the west side of the airfield.
Timeline
Currently in the envision phase.
*Photo depicts bus operation at Miami International Airport
- Restrooms
Long-Term Expansion and Development Projects
- Concourse B and Connector Tunnel
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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.
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
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New Parking Garage
Overview
AUS will construct of a new 6,500-7,500 space, multi-level garage north of the existing Blue Garage. The new garage will include intelligent parking systems, revenue control and roadway realignment.Timeline
Currently in the design phase.
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 is currently in the build phase.
- Surface Parking Phases 2 and 3 are currently in the design phase.
Budget
Austin City Council authorized $8 million for Phase 1 construction services.
- Arrivals and Departures 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 removal of the existing Red Garage and associated roadways and utilities.Timeline
Currently in the design phase.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
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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 design phase.
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.
- New Central Utility Plant
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Overview
The project will design, construct and commission a new Central Utility Plant (CUP) and associated thermal energy storage (TES) to reliably heat and cool the airport.
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
Currently in the design phase.
Budget
Austin City Council authorized $162 million for design and construction services.
- Utility Infrastructure Campus-Wide
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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.
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
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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.
- 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.
Learn More
Click here to visit the fuel facility project website to learn more.
- Vacant Building Removal
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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
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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
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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.
Community Information and News
- News
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Austin-Bergstrom celebrates start of construction on key Journey With AUS expansion project - April 2024
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
- Business Opportunities
- Archived Public Meeting Materials
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On April 27, 2024, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport hosted a community Open House for neighbors and the traveling public to learn more about happenings at the airport, including ongoing and upcoming Journey With AUS projects.
Meeting Materials:
On September 12, 2023, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport leadership shared an update on the expansion program to Austin City Council.
On January 19, 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
- Open House Boards – Jan. 19, 2023
- Open House Summary Report – Jan. 19, 2023
- Open House Infographic – Jan. 19, 2023
If you missed the event, see below for a tour of the Jan. 19 Open House:
- 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.
