Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has completed the West Infill project, adding more than 75,000 square feet to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The expansion includes a new TSA Checkpoint set to open on February 23, 2026, and several infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving security and efficiency for travelers.
Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of AUS, said, “The completion of the West Infill project is a pivotal step forward for AUS and for our community. Our airport is serving 21+ million annual passengers, five years ahead of what our AUS 2040 Master Plan projected. This project is about more than adding space, it’s about delivering a better experience for every traveler as quickly as possible.”
The West Infill was initiated in response to higher-than-expected passenger growth seen in 2022. While a future centralized TSA Checkpoint will eventually replace the new Checkpoint 4 as part of another terminal project, airport leaders moved forward with this addition to address immediate needs.
Key features of the expansion include an outbound baggage handling system that has been operational since December 2025. This system uses a conveyor belt stretching 1.5 miles and can process up to 4,000 bags per hour. Additional improvements include three new ticket counters with six positions each, dedicated spaces for airline support functions and airport operations staff, art installations from the Voyages series and the Austin Downtown Cruiser (Day), environmentally responsible materials targeting an Austin Energy Green Building 3-star rating, upgraded HVAC systems, elevators, and modernized mechanical and IT systems.
The $241 million project was funded through airport revenues, future revenue bonds, FAA grants, and $15.99 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. No taxpayer dollars were used.
Whiting-Turner Contracting Company served as prime contractor; Gensler was the architect; AECOM provided subject matter expertise.
This expansion is part of Journey With AUS—a broader effort to modernize Austin’s main airport infrastructure in line with regional growth demands. The West Infill project finished ahead of schedule and within budget.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is owned and operated by the City of Austin Department of Aviation (official website). The facility includes both the Barbara Jordan Terminal—home to gates, shops, restaurants—and the South Terminal for certain airlines offering nonstop flights across North America and Europe (official website). The airport provides amenities such as live music performances and art exhibits reflecting Austin’s culture (official website), along with parking options and ground transportation services (official website).
More information about ongoing projects at AUS can be found at FlyAustin.com.
