Austin's Airport: Does It Exist?

Austin, Texas, has an international airport named Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. The airport is located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin and covers 4,242 acres of land. It is the third busiest airport in Texas, serving the Greater Austin metropolitan area. With two runways and three helipads, the airport accommodates a large number of arrivals and departures to various destinations.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's location and history

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: Location and History

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA/AUS) is located about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of downtown Austin, Texas, United States. Covering 4,242 acres, it has two runways and three helipads. The airport is one of the fastest-growing in the US and is currently the third busiest in Texas and the 27th busiest in the country by passenger traffic.

History

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport opened to the public on May 23, 1999, replacing Robert Mueller Municipal Airport as Austin's main airport. The airport is located on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was decommissioned in the early 1990s. The base was named after Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, an officer who was the first person from Austin to be killed in World War II.

The history of aviation in Austin, however, dates back to the mid-20th century. In 1928, voters approved the construction of the city's first airport, Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, which welcomed its first commercial flight in 1936.

In 1942, the city of Austin purchased land and donated it to the US Federal Government for a military installation, which became the Del Valle Army Air Base, later renamed the Bergstrom Army Airfield in 1943. The base supported the Berlin Airlift and hosted significant aviation events, including the 1955 Atlantic crossing of Austin-based fighter jet crews, which pioneered aerial refuelling techniques.

As Austin outgrew the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, the city began considering options for a new airport as early as 1971. However, plans to build a joint regional airport with San Antonio were rejected. In 1991, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission selected Bergstrom for closure, and the city decided to convert it into a civilian airport. Construction on the new airport began in November 1994, and the control tower was completed in 1995, allowing Air Force One to land, making President Bill Clinton the "first passenger" to arrive at the new airport.

Recent Developments

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has undergone several expansion projects to accommodate the increasing travel demand. The terminal's first expansion was completed in 2015, adding an enlarged customs and immigration facility, baggage claim belts, and a security checkpoint. In 2019, a $350 million expansion added nine new gates, increasing the total to 34.

To cater to the airport's rapid growth, a three-gate South Terminal was opened in 2017, featuring outdoor waiting areas and a food truck retail area. The airport is also undergoing a major expansion program, "Journey With AUS", which includes the construction of a new arrivals and departures hall and Concourse B, with up to 40 new gates.

The airport's terminals and gates

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA/AUS) has two terminals: the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal. The former is the main terminal, located north of the airport, and is used by most airlines for domestic and international flights. It is a semi-oval shape with a split-level roadway across its two levels. The upper level is for ticketing and departures, with three security checkpoints located near the entrances to both concourses and in the middle of the central departure gates. The lower level has customs and immigration facilities, baggage claim carousels, and the airport lost and found office. The East and West Concourses have 13 and 11 gates, respectively, and there are nine additional central departure gates. The Barbara Jordan Terminal features 34 gates in total, with six dedicated to international flights.

The South Terminal is a secondary facility located on the south side of the airport, used exclusively by ultra-low-cost carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. It has three gates and is not connected to the main terminal. Passengers travelling between the two terminals can use a courtesy shuttle bus, with the journey taking around 15-20 minutes. The South Terminal has a quirky decor, an outdoor patio, and a taco food truck.

Airlines that fly to/from Austin, TX

Airlines that fly to/from Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas is served by Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, often abbreviated to ABIA (IATA: AUS). The airport is located around 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin and is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States.

The following airlines fly to/from Austin–Bergstrom International Airport:

• Allegiant Air
• Frontier Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• JetBlue
• United Airlines
• British Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Hawaiian Airlines
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• AeroMexico
• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Air France
• Avianca
• Aer Lingus
• Volaris
• Iberia
• Lufthansa
• Air Canada Rouge
• Boutique Air
• Frontier
• Linear Air Taxi
• ViaAir

Ground transportation to/from the airport

Bus

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Route 20 bus service operates from the arrivals level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport every 15 minutes, 7 days a week. The route takes passengers through the East Riverside Corridor to Downtown and the University of Texas at Austin, before heading east along Manor Road. The single ride fare is $1.25, and the journey to downtown takes around 35 minutes.

Rail

The airport is also set to be the southern terminus of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Blue Line light rail, which will run through the East Riverside Corridor to Downtown Austin and the University of Texas at Austin as far north as North Lamar/US183. The line is estimated to cost $1.3 billion and may be completed as early as 2029.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport, with several companies serving the airport, including ATX Co-Op Taxi, Central City Taxi, and Z-Trip. Taxi drop-off for departing passengers is located at the upper level/departures curbside, while arriving passengers can find taxis at the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, just north or behind the Red Garage.

Rideshare

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport. Rideshare drop-off for departing passengers is at the upper level/departures curbside, while rideshare pick-up for arriving passengers is located under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, just north or behind the Red Garage. The Mobility Assistance Zone is a dedicated area for passengers with mobility assistive devices, offering free and easy access to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, taxis, and rideshares.

Rental Car

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has a consolidated rent-a-car center (ConRAC) in a parking garage northeast of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and connected to the Red Garage. Ten rental car companies have service counters on the second floor of the ConRAC, including Advantage Rent A Car, Alamo, Avis Car Rental, Budget Rent A Car, and Dollar Car Rental. The facility can accommodate up to 5,000 vehicles per day.

Shuttle and Limousine

The airport provides an up-to-date list of shuttle and limousine services available in Austin. Some of the companies serving the airport include Carter Transportation (formerly Super Shuttle), 4Leaf Limo, 512Limos.com, and AAA Limousine.

The airport's future expansion plans

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is undergoing a multi-year expansion, development, and improvement program called "Journey With AUS". The program aims to meet the current and future needs of the growing region while preserving its roots and elevating the passenger experience with an authentic Austin and Central Texas experience. The airport is one of the fastest-growing in North America and has been recognised for its post-pandemic growth, resilience, and innovation.

The Journey With AUS expansion includes several key projects:

Near-Term Improvements

• New Outbound Baggage Handling System: This project will create a centralised baggage processing system capable of handling 4,000 bags per hour for 30 million annual passengers. It will include new conveyor belts and an expanded system with 1.5 miles of conveyor belts. The project is currently in the build phase, with Phase 1 completed in summer 2024 and Phase 2 estimated to be finished in 2026.
• Atrium Infill to Expand Passenger Processing: This project will add approximately 12,000 square feet of space to the Barbara Jordan Terminal for security screening, bag check, and passenger processing. It will also include upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Construction is estimated to begin in early 2025 and be completed in 2026, with a total estimated cost of $30 million.
• West Infill and TSA Checkpoint 3 Expansion: This project will add over 75,000 square feet of space across four levels, allowing for the expansion of Checkpoint 3 from 2 lanes to up to 8 lanes. It will also accommodate the new Outbound Baggage Handling System. The project is currently in the build phase and is estimated to be completed in 2026, with a cost of approximately $241 million.
• West Gate Terminal Expansion: This project will add 84,500 square feet of space over three levels, including a new third-level mezzanine, five new waiting seating areas, three new gates, dining areas, additional restrooms, a meditation/quiet room, family and nursing rooms, and a new mezzanine with a public outdoor balcony and indoor seated viewing area. The project is currently in the build phase and is estimated to be completed in 2026, with a total estimated cost of $165 million.
• International Arrivals Improvements: This project will add 6,000 square feet of space to the International Arrivals facility for passenger queuing, new baggage carousels, office space for Customs and Border Protection, and additional booths to process multiple arriving international flights simultaneously. The project is currently in the build phase and is estimated to be completed in 2025, with a cost of approximately $241 million.

Long-Term Expansion and Development Projects

• Concourse B and Connector Tunnel: This project will design and build a new 20-gate midfield concourse to meet long-term passenger demand, with the ability to expand up to 40 gates in the future. It will include all necessary passenger and tenant spaces, passenger boarding bridges, baggage handling system expansion, and underground utilities. A new subgrade tunnel will connect the Barbara Jordan Terminal (to be renamed Concourse A) with Concourse B and will be capable of expanding to a future Concourse C. Construction is estimated to begin in 2026, with Concourse B expected to open as early as 2030. The Austin City Council has authorised $72 million for engineering and architectural services and $1.031 billion for pre-construction and construction services.
• New West Parking Garage: This project is in the design phase, with construction estimated to begin in spring 2025. The Austin City Council has authorised $15 million for engineering and architectural services and $250 million for pre-construction and construction services.
• Surface Parking Lot: This project will add approximately 1,400 parking spaces in three phases. Phase 1 is currently in the build phase, while Phases 2 and 3 are in the design phase. The Austin City Council has authorised $8 million for Phase 1 construction services.
• Arrivals and Departures Hall: This project will design and build a new hall with expanded ticketing and check-in areas, consolidated security checkpoints, additional tenant and concession spaces, and expanded baggage makeup and baggage claim areas. Construction is estimated to begin as early as late 2025, with an expected opening date of 2030. The Austin City Council has authorised $45 million for engineering and architectural services and $820 million for pre-construction and construction services.
• Midfield Taxiways: This project will construct two new parallel midfield taxiways and several smaller connector taxiways to support Concourse B and future concourses. It will also include two bridges under the taxiways, airfield lighting, signage, enhanced security fencing, a new reclaimed water bulk refilling station, pavement recycling, building demolition, utility relocation, and drainage improvements. The project is currently in the build phase and is estimated to be completed in 2027. The Austin City Council has authorised $26.7 million for engineering and architectural services and $320 million for pre-construction and construction services.
• New Central Utility Plant: This project will design, construct, and commission a new Central Utility Plant (CUP) and associated chilled water thermal energy storage to cool and heat the airport as it expands. Construction is estimated to begin in 2025. The Austin City Council has authorised $162 million for design and construction services.
• Utility Infrastructure Campus-Wide (UICW): This project will expand and enhance existing and newly proposed utilities to meet the airport's growing demands. It will include improvements to electrical power distribution, storm drainage, water quality and detention ponds, hydronic piping, information technology/telecommunications duct banks, and other utility extensions. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction estimated to start as early as late 2025. The Austin City Council has authorised $10 million for engineering and architectural services and $120 million for pre-construction and construction services.

The improvements under the Journey With AUS program will be funded through various sources such as airport cash reserves, current and future airport revenues, future revenue bond proceeds, and Federal Aviation Administration grants. Notably, no local Austin taxpayer dollars will be used to fund these projects.

Frequently asked questions