Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) had another successful year in 2023, breaking its own record for the second consecutive year. With over 22 million total passengers served, AUS surpassed the previous year's record by more than one million passengers. December 2023 was also the busiest December on record for the airport, with 1,802,593 passengers flying during the month.
The continued growth of the Austin and Central Texas populations has led to increased demand for air travel. AUS has been working closely with airline partners to offer new nonstop destinations. Last summer, AUS celebrated a new partnership with Copa Airlines, introducing nonstop flights from Austin, TX to Panama City, Panama. Other new nonstop flights were launched to Omaha, Nebraska, Montrose, Colorado, and returning service to Vancouver and Calgary, Canada. This year, AUS will welcome Viva Aerobus, which will launch nonstop flights to Monterrey, Mexico in March.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, AUS teams have been working hard to deliver improvements and transform the airport. The Journey With AUS expansion and development program has made significant progress across the airport, including expanding accessibility services for passengers with mobility assistive devices and launching the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program, which provides support to passengers with non-visible disabilities.
In addition to passenger numbers, AUS has also focused on enhancing the passenger experience. The airport's concession partners saw a successful year, with 99,239 pounds of Salt Lick BBQ brisket and over 1 million tacos consumed by passengers. The Arts and Music Program showcased 24 talented artist and artist groups as part of the changing art exhibits program. AUS has also maintained its reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World" by hosting 1,470 live shows across its 8 stages, including the international supergroup boygenius for the 2023 South by Southwest.
AUS has also been committed to environmental efforts. In 2023, the airport released its first-ever Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Report, which provides a transparent overview of the airport's impact on the environment, social responsibility, and corporate governance. The airport also secured a $400,000 grant to add more carbon-neutral buses to its fleet.
The achievements of AUS in 2023 have not gone unnoticed. The airport was named the Medium-Sized Airport of the Year by CAPA - Centre for Aviation, a leading source of market intelligence for the aviation and travel industry.
As AUS looks ahead to the future, it remains dedicated to serving the growing population and meeting the demand for air travel. With ongoing improvements and partnerships, AUS aims to continue providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.