Taking Flight: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s 2024 Expansion Accomplishments
As the year draws to a close, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) reflects on a 2024 filled with remarkable milestones and transformative progress. Through the Journey With AUS program, we’re building the future of air travel to meet the needs of Austin and Central Texas. With your support and trust, AUS continues to evolve into a world-class travel hub that’s ready to serve our growing community.
The Journey with AUS program has gained significant momentum this year. Let’s take a look back at the key achievements and what they mean for your travel experience.
Funding for Concourse B
In a major milestone, AUS secured $33.27 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the design and construction of the upcoming Concourse B. This state-of-the-art facility will feature at least 20 new gates and expanded passenger amenities, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable journey. While the concourse is still in the design phase, you can look forward to its opening as early as the year 2030, which will redefine what you expect from AUS.
West Infill Project Breaks Ground
The West Infill Project, a cornerstone of the Journey With AUS program, made significant strides in 2024 starting with breaking ground on the project in April. With its steel installation already complete, this expansion is paving the way for 75,000 square feet over four levels of additional terminal space. Once finished in early 2026, this project will expand TSA Checkpoint 3 from 2 lanes to 6 to 8 lanes. This project will also add a new premium lounge to the terminal.
The West Infill project as seen in October 2024
West Gate Expansion Progress
The West Gate Expansion project has hit several milestones this year. Construction of passenger boarding bridges which are long, temporary, elevated walkways that connect gates to aircrafts, were the West Gate Expansion’s first big milestone.
In July 2024 the first steel beam was erected. This considerable milestone changed the landscape of the terminal. Suddenly, progress was easier to see as the building took shape each day.
As we look to the future, topping out of the steel is the next major milestone – a phase celebrated once the building has “peaked out” on all steel at its full height. Future milestones will include applying the skin of the building and reaching substantial completion, which is expected in spring 2026.
Project teams, City leadership and Austin City Councilmembers sign the first vertical steel beam for the West Gate Expansion project
Breaking Ground on New Midfield Taxiways
Construction began on two new parallel taxiways, a critical step toward the future 20+-gate Concourse B. These taxiways will connect the east and west side of the airfield improving airfield efficiency, ensuring that aircraft movement on the ground is faster and smoother. This project highlights our commitment to accommodating more passengers while keeping operations running seamlessly.
Mayor Watson, City Manager T.C. Broadnax, Councilmembers Fuentes and R. Alter turn dirt in a ceremonial groundbreaking alongside FAA Deputy Administrator Katie Thomson and others
Looking Ahead to 2025
As you can see, 2024 has been a year of remarkable progress for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's expansion program. As we close the chapter on 2024, we’re excited about what’s to come. With major funding secured, Austin City Council approval on all our significant contracts to design and build projects, Journey With AUS is on track to enhance your airport experience.
Thank you for flying with us and for being a part of our journey. We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2025, a year that will be transformative for AUS as we break ground on the Atrium Infill, Central Utility Plant and West Garage projects. Here’s to another year of building a bigger, better airport together!