Austin Airport: Size, Scale, And Expansion Plans

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA/AUS) is a large airport located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin, Texas, United States. Covering an area of 4,242 acres, it is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country and has been undergoing significant expansion to accommodate its rapid growth in recent years. With a convenient location and a range of facilities and amenities, the airport served over 20 million travellers annually since 2022, making it the third busiest airport in Texas and the 27th busiest in the United States by passenger traffic.

The airport covers 4,242 acres of land

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport covers 4,242 acres of land. This makes it one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, transitioning from a medium-hub airport to a large-hub airport. The airport has seen a rapid increase in passengers, with over 20 million travellers passing through its doors annually since 2022. To accommodate this growth, the airport has embarked on a major expansion programme called "Journey with AUS".

The airport's vast land area allows for a range of facilities and services. It has two runways, including a 12,250-foot runway dedicated to former President Lyndon Baines Johnson, and 34 total gates in the main 660,000-square-foot Barbara Jordan Terminal. Additionally, there are three gates at the South Terminal. The airport also houses the Armed Forces Reserve Center, private and cargo aviation facilities, administrative buildings, maintenance areas, and technology support buildings.

The large land area of the airport provides ample space for parking structures, retail outlets, and restaurant buildings. The airport offers a variety of parking options, including convenient valet parking and budget-friendly economy lots. The close proximity of the parking spots to the terminal doors, however, comes with a higher cost. For those seeking a more economical option, the Economy Lot offers parking at $12 per day.

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is conveniently located just 7 miles from downtown Austin. This makes it an ideal choice for travellers who want to quickly reach the city centre. The commute is made even faster thanks to the efficient highway roads connecting the airport to the heart of Austin.

The airport's size also accommodates a variety of ground transportation options. The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides a bus route that departs from the arrivals level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal every 15 minutes, offering easy access to the city for passengers.

In addition to its functional facilities, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport also boasts a vibrant cultural presence. Local art installations and mini-galleries can be found throughout the terminal, showcasing the best of Austin's art and culture. The airport's connection to the local community is further emphasised in its design, with materials like Texas Pearl pink granite and nods to Austin's iconic Moonlight Towers.

It has 34 gates in the main terminal

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a large airport that has been expanding rapidly in recent years. The airport has a total of 34 gates in the main terminal, known as the Barbara Jordan Terminal. This includes six gates capable of handling international flights. The terminal is named after Barbara Jordan, the first African American person elected to the Texas Senate in 1966 and the US House of Representatives in 1972.

The Barbara Jordan Terminal spans 660,000 square feet and has a unique design. It features a daylit, open steel crescent structure that minimises the distance between the entrance and boarding gates, offering sweeping views of the apron, airstrip, and sky. The terminal incorporates materials like Texas Pearl pink granite and showcases ubiquitous public art, reflecting the local culture and landscape.

The main terminal originally had 18 gates, but during construction, the number was increased to 24 contact gates with jet bridges and one gate without a jet bridge. In 2019, a $350 million expansion added nine new gates, bringing the total to 34. These additional gates are spaced farther apart to accommodate larger aircraft. The flexibility of the gates has also increased, with six gates now capable of handling both international and domestic flights, up from the previous two.

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is focused on enhancing the passenger experience and making travel more accessible. With its growth and expansion projects, the airport is committed to accommodating the increasing number of travellers passing through its doors each year.

It is one of the fastest-growing airports in the US

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: One of the Fastest-Growing Airports in the US

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. This growth is evident in several key areas, including passenger numbers, airline options, and infrastructure expansion.

Passenger Numbers and Airlines

In 2022, AUS recorded 21 million passengers, surpassing its previous record of 17 million in 2019. With an average of 57,778 daily passengers, AUS is projected to reach 30 million annual passengers by 2027, which is a decade earlier than initially anticipated. This rapid growth in passenger numbers can be attributed to several factors, including the addition of new airlines and nonstop destinations. In recent years, AUS has expanded its reach to other cities and countries, partnering with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Copa Airlines. As a result, AUS now offers over 20 airlines and charter services, providing travellers with more direct travel options from Austin.

Infrastructure Expansion

To accommodate the increasing passenger numbers and meet both near-term and long-term needs, AUS has embarked on significant expansion projects as part of the Journey with AUS program. The airport is currently in the initial phase of creating new arrivals and departures halls, with plans to double its size. This expansion will include enlarging the ticketing and check-in areas, adding more security checkpoints, and increasing space for concessions and baggage handling. Short-term projects, such as the West Infill, TSA Checkpoint 3 expansion, outbound baggage handling system, and West Gate terminal expansion, are expected to be completed by 2026.

Additionally, long-term projects include the construction of Concourse B, featuring 20 gates, and a connector tunnel, with a groundbreaking for the associated taxiways scheduled for this month. These long-term projects are anticipated to be finished by 2027. The new arrivals and departures hall is estimated to be completed by 2030.

Enhancing Passenger Experience

The expansion and development initiatives at AUS are not limited to increasing passenger capacity but also enhancing the overall airport experience. This includes expanding security checkpoints to reduce wait times, adding more passenger amenities like restrooms and seating areas, and supporting the vibrant local culture through art installations and live music performances.

In summary, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's rapid growth in passenger numbers, expanding airline options, and ongoing infrastructure development solidify its position as one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. The airport's proactive response to this growth through the Journey with AUS program ensures that it can effectively accommodate the increasing demand while improving the overall traveller experience.

The airport is 7 miles from downtown Austin

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: Just 7 Miles from Downtown Austin

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is conveniently located just 7 miles from downtown Austin. This proximity to the city makes it the perfect gateway to the "Live Music Capital of the World" for travellers short on time. With a quick commute via fast highway roads, visitors can find themselves in the heart of Austin in no time.

A Growing Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. In 2022, the airport handled over 20 million travellers, breaking its previous record of 17 million annual passengers in 2019. To accommodate this increasing demand, AUS is currently undergoing a major expansion programme called "Journey with AUS". The expansion plan includes a new arrivals and departures hall, as well as the construction of Concourse B, which will add 20-40 new gates.

Efficient Travel

The airport's close proximity to the city also means that travellers can avoid lengthy travel times to and from the airport. However, it is important to plan ahead and avoid peak times such as rush hour, as this can significantly increase travel time. Additionally, events such as festivals and concerts can also impact wait times at the airport, so it is always good to be prepared.

A Taste of Austin

For travellers looking to get a taste of Austin before even leaving the airport, the dining options at AUS do not disappoint. Showcasing local favourites, the airport's culinary offerings provide visitors with a chance to sample the city's famous flavours. From barbecue to tacos, travellers can indulge in a true Austin experience without even stepping foot outside the airport.

Accessibility and Convenience

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport also offers a range of ground transportation options. The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Route 20 operates every 15 minutes from the arrivals level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal, providing easy access to downtown and the University of Texas. Additionally, the airport's consolidated rent-a-car centre provides convenient access to various rental car companies, making travel to and from the airport a breeze.

It has a single terminal named Barbara Jordan Terminal

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a large airport with a single terminal, named the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The terminal is named after Barbara Jordan, the first African American person elected to the Texas Senate in 1966. She was elected president of the Texas Senate in 1972 and later to the U.S. House of Representatives, along with Andrew Young of Georgia, as the first African American politicians in the twentieth century elected to Congress from the Deep South.

The Barbara Jordan Terminal has a total of 34 gates, six of which can handle international flights. The terminal has a unique design, featuring daylit, open steel architecture that minimises the distance between the entrance and boarding gates, offering sweeping views of the apron, airstrip, and sky. It covers 660,000 square feet and is equipped with modern amenities, including a live music stage, various restaurants, and food concessions. The terminal also showcases local art and culture, with mini-galleries and painted tiles in the restrooms that represent Austin's diverse culture.

The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion program called "Journey with AUS" to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. The expansion includes the construction of a new arrivals and departures hall and Concourse B, which will add more gates and enhance the airport's capacity. The original Barbara Jordan Terminal has also undergone expansion projects over the years, with the addition of new gates, an enlarged customs and immigration facility, and enhanced security checkpoints.

With over 20 million travellers annually and continuous growth, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country. It serves as a convenient gateway to the Greater Austin metropolitan area and offers easy connections to downtown Austin, located just 7 miles away.

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