Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has broken ground on its West Infill and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Checkpoint 3 Expansion project.
This marks the airport’s latest milestone in its Journey With AUS expansion programme, which aims to enhance the passenger experience and accommodate for the population growth and increased demand for air travel in Central Texas.
The West Infill expansion project will increase space in the Barbara Jordan Terminal and will complete the second phase of the new Outbound Baggage Handling System.
This initiative will create new areas dedicated to TSA, passenger processing and other amenities to elevate the overall travel experience.
In total, the project will add 75,000 square feet across four levels, including crucial areas such as baggage handling, apron space, concourse capacity, and a new mezzanine level.
Meanwhile, it will also deliver enhancements to mechanical, electrical and IT systems to ensure seamless operations and maximum efficiency.
The expansion is scheduled to open to the travelling public in 2026.
Robert Goode, City of Austin Assistant City Manager said:As Austin grows, so does our airport. Near-term projects like this one will provide much-needed relief on busy days as soon as possible, while we continue to work alongside our airline partners to envision the future of an expanded, modern AUS that will meet the needs of both airlines and travellers alike.
This project is partially funded by 15.9 million USD dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Specifically, the West Infill project will deliver the following new features:
- 6-8 additional security lanes at TSA Checkpoint 3, streamlining the screening process and reducing wait times
- Completion of the new Outbound Baggage Handling system which will increase capacity for checked luggage screening and ensure efficient and timely processing
- Expanded ticketing counters and kiosks to accommodate the growing number of passengers passing through the airport
- Pursuit of an Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) 3-star rating, reflecting AUS’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility
- New offices for AUS and TSA staff, providing improved working environments for airport personnel
Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of the Austin Airport and Director for the City of Austin Department of Aviation said:We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey of expansion and improvement at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. As the demand for air travel continues to soar, we remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing passenger experiences while maintaining current airport operations. We are moving forward with purpose and urgency to ensure that Austin-Bergstrom remains a vital hub for travellers, fostering connectivity and convenience for all who pass through our terminal.
This groundbreaking follows enabling construction and coordination for the project that began in the autumn of 2023.
