Austin Airport: Potential Hub Status And Challenges

Austin–Bergstrom International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, and it is already the third busiest in Texas. The airport has been expanding rapidly to accommodate this growth, with new gates and terminals being added, and a major expansion program, entitled Journey With AUS, currently underway.

In addition to this, the airport has also been expanding its offering of nonstop flights to new destinations. This has led to speculation that Austin could become a hub for airlines such as American Airlines and Delta. However, it is worth noting that Southwest Airlines is currently the largest carrier at the airport, and other airlines such as United and JetBlue also have a significant presence.

Austin Airport's growth and expansion plans

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. It is also an economic engine in Central Texas, providing over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.

History

The airport is located on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was decommissioned in the early 1990s. The land reverted to the City of Austin, which used it to replace the old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport as the city's main airport in 1999.

Expansion Plans

To accommodate the airport's rapid growth, a major expansion program, entitled "Journey With AUS", is currently underway. The expansion includes the construction of a new arrivals and departures hall that will consolidate ticketing, security screening, and baggage claims under one roof. Additionally, a new Concourse B will be built, initially featuring 20 gates and eventually expanding to up to 40 gates. The new concourse will be connected to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal (to be renamed Concourse A) via an underground tunnel.

The Barbara Jordan Terminal, the airport's main terminal, currently has 34 gates, six of which are capable of handling international flights. The terminal features several restaurants and food concessions, as well as a live music stage showcasing local bands.

To support the airport's growth, a three-gate South Terminal opened in 2017 and is exclusively used by ultra-low-cost carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. However, this terminal is scheduled to be demolished as part of the expansion, leading to a lawsuit from its operator, LoneStar Airport Holdings.

Airlines and Destinations

ABIA offers nonstop flights to 97 destinations in North America and Europe, with more than 550 arrivals and departures on a typical weekday. The airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines.

Future Prospects

With Austin's rapid growth and increasing economic importance, airlines are likely to continue expanding their operations at ABIA. The airport's convenient location and efficient connections have made it an attractive option for passengers, contributing to its growing reputation as a connecting hub.

Airlines using Austin Airport as a hub

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA/AUS) is served by a variety of airlines, with Southwest Airlines and American Airlines being the two largest carriers in terms of market share and passenger traffic.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier at Austin Airport, with over a third of passenger traffic. The airline has historically been the largest airline in Austin and offers a significant number of nonstop flights to various destinations across the United States.

American Airlines

American Airlines is the second-largest carrier at Austin Airport, with around half the number of passengers as Southwest. American has a strong presence in Austin due to existing corporate contracts and customer loyalty. The airline has been expanding its operations in Austin, adding new routes and destinations to its network.

Other Airlines

In addition to Southwest and American, several other airlines also utilise Austin Airport as a hub:

• Delta Air Lines: Delta has designated Austin as a focus city or mini-hub and is working to develop additional non-hub direct routes. They are the fourth-largest carrier at the airport.
• United Airlines: United is the third-largest carrier at Austin Airport, offering flights to various destinations, including hubs such as Chicago O'Hare and Denver.
• JetBlue Airways: JetBlue is the fifth-largest carrier at Austin Airport and has partnerships with American Airlines, allowing AAdvantage members to earn miles on their flights.
• Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines has a small but growing presence at Austin Airport, with an increase in market share from 2019 to 2021.
• Frontier Airlines: Frontier Airlines operates from the South Terminal at Austin Airport and offers nonstop flights to several destinations.
• Allegiant Air: Allegiant Air also operates from the South Terminal and provides nonstop flights to various destinations across the United States.

Pros and cons of Austin Airport becoming a hub

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion program, entitled "Journey With AUS", to accommodate the rapid growth in travel demand.

Pros:

• Austin Airport becoming a hub could bring economic benefits to the region, creating more jobs and stimulating the local economy.
• The expansion of the airport and the increase in flights could attract more businesses and talent to the area, further contributing to Austin's growth.
• It could provide more convenient travel options for passengers, with more direct flights and improved connectivity.
• With more airlines competing for routes, there could be lower airfares and more choices for travellers.

Cons:

• Increased air traffic and passenger numbers may put a strain on the airport's infrastructure, potentially leading to overcrowding and longer wait times.
• The expansion of the airport may have negative environmental impacts, including increased noise pollution, emissions, and habitat disruption.
• With more flights and a larger airport, there could be increased security concerns and challenges.
• The expansion could be costly and may require significant investment from the city or other sources.
• The increased air traffic could impact the operations of other airports in the region, potentially leading to a redistribution of resources and routes.

The impact on other airports

The potential for Austin Airport to become a hub could have both positive and negative effects on other airports. On the one hand, it could relieve congestion at other busy airports in the region, such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston–Intercontinental. By providing an additional option for travellers, it may help to reduce traffic and ease the strain on these airports, which currently handle a significant volume of flights and passengers. This could lead to improved efficiency and potentially reduced delays for flights using these airports.

However, the establishment of Austin Airport as a hub could also lead to increased competition among airports in the region. With airlines potentially diverting resources and flights to Austin, other airports may experience a decrease in traffic and revenue. This could be particularly significant for smaller airports that rely heavily on a limited number of airlines or routes. Additionally, as airlines seek to optimise their operations and reduce costs, there is a possibility that they may consolidate their presence in larger hubs, potentially impacting the number of flights and services offered at smaller airports.

Furthermore, the impact of Austin Airport becoming a hub could extend beyond Texas and influence airports across the United States. As airlines adjust their routes and networks, there could be a ripple effect on flight schedules, connections, and passenger traffic at various airports nationwide. This could result in changes to flight patterns and the emergence of new travel options for passengers, potentially affecting the demand and utilisation of other airports.

Overall, the impact on other airports of Austin Airport becoming a hub is multifaceted and challenging to predict with certainty. It may lead to both positive outcomes, such as reduced congestion at busy airports, and negative consequences, including increased competition and potential disruptions to existing flight networks. The specific effects would depend on various factors, including the decisions made by airlines, the preferences of travellers, and the broader aviation industry trends.

The history of Austin Airport

The history of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the city of Austin began to experience rapid growth. In 1942, the city purchased land and donated it to the US government for a military installation, with the agreement that Austin would reclaim the land once the government no longer needed it. This led to the establishment of Del Valle Airfield, later renamed Bergstrom Army Airfield in honour of Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, an Austin reservist who was the first person from the city to be killed in World War II.

Following World War II, the airfield was renamed Bergstrom Air Force Base and continued to serve the military until the early 1990s when it was decommissioned. With Austin's old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport becoming outdated, the city began exploring options for a new airport as early as 1971. The idea of a joint regional airport with San Antonio was proposed but rejected by Austinites due to the distance.

In the 1980s, residents living near Mueller applied political pressure, forcing the city council to choose a new airport site near Manor. However, this plan faced legal challenges due to environmental concerns. In 1991, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission selected Bergstrom for closure, providing the perfect opportunity for Austin to acquire the land for civilian airport use. The city council abandoned the Manor plan and resolved to build the new airport at the Bergstrom site.

The construction of the new airport began in November 1994, with a $585 million budget. The project included retaining the main Air Force runway, which could accommodate large long-range airliners, and constructing a new 9,000-foot runway. The new airport, named Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, opened to the public on May 23, 1999, with a 12,250-foot runway, one of the nation's longest commercial runways.

Since its opening, Austin–Bergstrom International Airport has undergone several expansions to accommodate the city's growing aviation demands. In 2015, the terminal's first expansion added enhanced customs and immigration facilities, baggage claim belts, and security checkpoints. In 2019, a $350 million addition brought nine new gates, increasing the total to 34. To cater to ultra-low-cost carriers, a three-gate South Terminal opened in 2017, built and operated by LoneStar Airport Holdings under a 40-year lease.

Today, Austin–Bergstrom International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, providing over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in Central Texas. The airport has two runways, three helipads, and 34 gates, with ongoing expansion plans to further enhance its capacity and infrastructure.

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