Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will soon undergo an extensive improvement plan, which will enhance customer service for passengers and help the local economy, as well as making the travel experience more enjoyable.
The airport, which pre-pandemic had more than 17 million guests in 2019, is long overdue for some expansions and improvements.
“With this program, we are transforming the future of AUS – without the need for taxpayer funding. We will create the infrastructure and facilities needed to support our growing city and our airline partners as they continue to invest in Austin,” Jacqueline Yaft, CEO of AUS, stated.
The funding is coming from airport cash reserves, current as well as coming revenue, revenue bond processes and grants from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“The program will help us build a better airport and deliver an upgraded passenger experience – one that is not only safe, comfortable, and convenient, but also reflects the city’s distinct culture and community,” Yaft said.
Among the improvements are optimizing the Barbara Jordan Terminal and creating a new Midfield Concourse with over 10 new gates and two new taxiways. The new concourse will require that the South Terminal be removed in the coming two years.
"It is imperative that the South Terminal Facility be removed in a timely manner so that the development of the Midfield Concourse B can be completed in a timeframe to match the forecasted growth of the airlines at AUS," Yaft wrote.
In 2020, the number of passengers to use AUS fell to 6,472,579.
The expansion of the airport will allow more individuals to be employed there, with the current number of jobs — direct and indirect — at the airport numbering over 74,000.
The airport will host a public scoping meeting in the fall and a public hearing in late 2021 seeking public feedback on a range of environmental topics related to the project.
Austin-Bergstrom was named Runner-Up for Best U.S. Airport in the 2019 travel awards by Fodor’s.