Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has been awarded $33.27 million from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Terminal Program, a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. The funding will aid in constructing the airport's new Concourse B project, which includes an underground tunnel connecting it to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal.
Concourse B is a major component of AUS's Journey With AUS expansion program. It aims to add at least 20 new airline gates to accommodate increased air service demands in Central Texas. The project also plans to enhance passenger experience by introducing more restaurants, shops, lounges, live music venues, and other amenities.
Currently in its early design stages with Page and Fentress Joint Venture as the selected design firms, significant construction for Concourse B is slated to begin in 2027. The facility is expected to open to travelers by 2030 after the expanded terminal's new Arrivals & Departures Hall is completed.
So far, the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program has allocated $47.52 million towards Concourse B through competitive grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This law plans to invest about $1 billion into airport terminals nationwide. AUS intends to continue applying for these grants while using traditional financing methods like revenue bonds and future revenues for this and other expansion projects.
The Journey With AUS expansion program recently marked several milestones: breaking ground on the Midfield Taxiways project, completing vertical steel installation on the West Infill project, and receiving Austin City Council approval for professional services contracts related to Concourse B and Arrivals & Departures Hall projects.
Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) stated, "The Austin airport and its workers play a critical role in our growing district. More gates and flights mean cheaper fares and shorter wait times for Austinites." He expressed gratitude for "this $30 million in federal funding."
Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) remarked that "This investment represents the next step in the near doubling of capacity at our overcrowded airport," emphasizing his support for the Infrastructure Law alongside Democratic colleagues.
Mayor Kirk Watson applauded federal partners at FAA for their support: "Now that AUS has reached 20 million annual passengers, we’re competing with large-sized airports across the country for these federal dollars."
Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax acknowledged FAA's commitment: "We are deeply grateful... it demonstrates their ongoing commitment to supporting our airport and community."
AUS CEO Ghizlane Badawi highlighted how this funding aids future generations' air service needs: "We can’t thank our partners at FAA enough... I also want to thank our congressional delegation."
For updates on expansion progress or terminal construction activities visit AustinTexas.gov/AUSJourney or sign up via email for monthly updates from AUS.