Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has reached a significant milestone in its Journey With AUS airport expansion program with the completion of structural steel installation for the West Infill project. This is the first project within the Barbara Jordan Terminal improvements to achieve this stage and is one of several recent milestones for the Journey With AUS program.
“We’re making tremendous strides in delivering a bigger, better and modern airport for Austin,” said T.C. Broadnax, Austin City Manager. “With this project milestone, we’re one step closer to delivering more terminal space for travelers and our partners at TSA. I’m proud of the progress the West Infill project team has made in advancing our vision of a world-class airport that serves our community and visitors alike.”
“I am excited to celebrate this milestone in the West Infill project, a critical step in expanding our capacity,” said Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer at AUS. “Each step brings us closer to delivering an enhanced experience for our passengers, and I’m looking forward to seeing the continued progress as we move toward completion in early 2026.”
Construction on the West Infill project began in April 2024, with completion anticipated in 2026. The project will add 75,000 square feet across four levels of the terminal, increasing capacity at TSA Checkpoint 3 by adding space for six to eight additional security lanes and allowing for more ticketing counters and kiosks. Prior to construction starting, TSA Checkpoint 3 was closed; however, officials worked with TSA to add two lanes to Checkpoint 2 West ensuring no loss of screening capacity or equipment despite the closure. This month, another lane was added at Checkpoint 2 West, bringing it to eight lanes dedicated to processing both Precheck and Clear passengers.
Steel installation marks a critical step in completing the structural framing of the West Infill. The next phase will focus on enclosing the building and advancing AUS’s new Outbound Baggage Handling System’s second phase.
The West Infill project is partially funded by $15.9 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Journey With AUS projects are funded through traditional airport improvement mechanisms such as airport cash reserves, current and future revenues, revenue bond proceeds, and Federal Aviation Administration grants—not Austin taxpayer dollars.
Recently achieved milestones include groundbreaking for Midfield Taxiways and approval by Austin City Council for major procurements related to new Arrivals and Departures Hall, Concourse B, and Tunnel projects.
Travelers can stay informed on construction updates by visiting AustinTexas.gov/AUSJourney.
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