AUSTIN, Texas – Today, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) celebrated its silver jubilee, marking 25 years of connecting travelers from Austin and across Central Texas to destinations worldwide. To commemorate this milestone, AUS hosted a birthday celebration, featuring live music, remarks from City and airport leadership, and a historic proclamation, issued by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson that officially designated May 23rd as Austin-Bergstrom International Day.
 
Since its inauguration in 1999, replacing the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, AUS has grown into a major US airport, connecting Austinites and Central Texans to a diverse range of domestic and international destinations. From its humble beginnings as a modest regional airport, AUS has risen to prominence as a recently classified large sized airport by the Federal Aviation Administration. The 21% surge in annual passenger activity between 2019 and 2023 has transformed AUS; in spite of its rapid growth, AUS has upheld its commitment to providing safe journeys to the world, fostering economic growth in the region, and embodying the unique spirit of Austin.
 
The anniversary celebration featured exciting musical performances by The Last Jimenez and Jackie Venson, displaying the talent of local artists and attendees were treated to nostalgic anecdotes from key figures who have witnessed AUS’s journey first-hand. The highlight of the event was the proclamation issued by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who played an instrumental role in the airport's inauguration and has continued to champion its growth and success.
 
“Today marks 25 years since we cut the ribbon and began commercial service at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport," said Mayor Kirk Watson. "As we celebrate a quarter century, I’m honored to have witnessed first-hand the remarkable growth of this airport and its transformative impact on our city and region. It's an honor to declare May 23rd as Austin-Bergstrom International Day, recognizing the airport's enduring effects on our community and local economy.”
 
"As we celebrate 25 years of AUS, I’m filled with pride as I reflect on the journey that has led us to this milestone,” said Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. “From our first year, when we processed over 6 million passengers, to becoming the airport of choice for Central Texas, this anniversary is not only a testament to the dedication and resilience of our teams, but also to the support of our community. Over the last quarter-century, AUS has not only connected our community to diverse destinations, but also remained true to the spirit of Austin. As we embark on a new chapter of expansion and development with our ongoing capital improvement projects, I am confident that AUS will remain a gateway to the world, enriching the travel experience for generations of travelers to come."
 
In 2023, AUS achieved yet another significant milestone as it marked its busiest year on record, welcoming over 22 million passengers through its doors. This achievement not only highlights the airport’s ability to accommodate the needs of passengers, far exceeding its original capacity, but also underscores the substantial growth in demand for air travel experienced in Austin and Central Texas.
 
The future of AUS is bright, as it continues its Journey With AUS, Airport Expansion and Development Program. This comprehensive capital improvement program is laying the foundation for the airport's future through a series of near-term and long-term projects. These enhancements will include an expansion of the terminal's square footage, additional gates to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal, an increase in the number of security checkpoint lanes, an additional concourse with approximately 20 gates, and construction of new midfield taxiways, just to name a few. 

“It’s exciting to celebrate this special anniversary,” said Assistant City Manager, Robert Goode. “As we look to the future of our airport, the City of Austin is committed to staying true to our roots as Central Texas’ airport of choice. We would not be able to celebrate 25 years of service to the community without our customers and without our business partners. I look forward to the progress our expansion program will make in delivering an improved airport for all Austinites, Central Texans and business partners.”
 
With an eye towards the future, AUS looks forward to continued success as the leading airport in the Central Texas region, evolving to meet the needs of travelers and the community for years to come.