Exploring Austin Airport: The Number Of Gates And More

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, also known as ABIA or AUS, is undergoing a major expansion to accommodate its rapid growth. The airport currently has 34 gates across two terminals, but that number is expected to increase to 54 or more by the time the expansion is complete. The new concourse, dubbed Concourse B, will be connected to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal by an underground tunnel and is anticipated to be completed by 2030. This expansion will significantly enhance the airport's capacity and infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the region.

The Barbara Jordan Terminal has 34 gates

The Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has 34 gates and operates international carriers. The terminal is named after Barbara Jordan, the first African American to serve in the Texas Senate. It was originally conceived as an 18-gate terminal facility but has since expanded to accommodate Austin's growing population and increasing popularity as a major transportation hub for Texas.

The terminal is located north of the airport and can be accessed from TX-71. It has a semi-oval shape with ticketing and baggage claim areas on the lower level and departure gates on the upper level. There is a split-level roadway across the two levels of the terminal, with curbside drop-off and pick-up on both levels. The terminal has three security checkpoints and six gates capable of handling international flights.

The East Concourse has 13 gates, and the West Concourse has 11 gates. The terminal also features several restaurants and food concessions, representing the city's vibrant musical heritage and culinary diversity. The live music performances and diverse dining options enhance the travel experience and showcase the spirit of Austin as "The Live Music Capital of the World."

The Barbara Jordan Terminal is currently undergoing expansion as part of the "Journey with AUS" program. This expansion includes optimising the existing terminal, constructing a new midfield concourse, and adding new taxiways to enhance capacity and infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed by 2040 and will significantly improve the functionality and accessibility of the airport.

The South Terminal has 3 gates

The South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has 3 gates and is the smallest of the airport's two terminals. It is used exclusively by ultra-low-cost carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines, which operate domestic flights. The terminal is located on the south side of the airport perimeter and is accessed via Burleson Road. It cannot be reached from the main airport entrance or the Barbara Jordan Terminal without exiting the airport grounds. A complimentary shuttle bus connects the South Terminal with the Barbara Jordan Terminal, with the journey taking around 15 to 20 minutes.

The South Terminal has a unique design, reusing a building from the former Bergstrom Air Force Base. It features outdoor waiting areas and a food truck retail area, with a quirky decor that reflects Austin's vibrant music scene. Passengers board the aircraft by walking under a covered walkway and down stairs, as the gates do not have jet bridges.

The South Terminal opened on April 13, 2017, at a cost of $12 million, and was built by LoneStar Airport Holdings under a 40-year lease. However, it is scheduled to be demolished as part of the airport's expansion plans, which led to a lawsuit from its operator. The City of Austin agreed to a settlement, paying $88 million to break the lease.

The South Terminal is a vital part of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, serving low-cost carriers and providing a unique experience for passengers with its outdoor areas and food truck options. Its demolition will make way for future developments, showcasing the dynamic nature of airport infrastructure and the need to adapt to changing demands.

ABIA is adding a new concourse with at least 20 gates

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is undergoing a major expansion to accommodate its rapid growth. The airport plans to increase its capacity to handle over 30 million passengers annually, with the construction expected to be completed by 2040.

A New Concourse with 20+ Gates

A key part of the expansion is the addition of a new concourse, tentatively named Concourse B, which will add a minimum of 20 new gates to the airport. This will bring the total number of gates at ABIA to 54 or more, significantly increasing its passenger handling capacity. The new concourse will be connected to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal (to be renamed Concourse A) via an underground tunnel, with the potential to expand to a future Concourse C.

Timeline for the New Concourse

The new concourse is not expected to be completed until the 2030s, with an anticipated opening date of around 2030. The construction of Concourse B has faced repeated delays, including due to the pandemic, which caused a sharp drop in air travel and funding for the project.

Other Expansion Projects

In addition to the new concourse, ABIA is also working on several other expansion projects as part of its "Journey with AUS" expansion program:

• Arrivals and Departures Hall: A new multistory building north of the Barbara Jordan Terminal will provide expanded ticketing, check-in, security, and baggage claim areas. It is expected to be completed by 2030.
• Landside Improvements: Replacing the Red Garage with a new parking garage, surface lots, improved roadways, and an expanded curbside for passenger drop-off.
• Airside Enhancements: Adding new parallel midfield taxiways to better connect the runways and support the efficient operation of Concourse B and future concourses.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Upgrading critical airport utilities, including a new Central Utility Plant to heat and cool the expanded airport.

Addressing Capacity Constraints

The expansion projects, including the addition of Concourse B with 20+ gates, are aimed at addressing the capacity constraints at ABIA. The airport has been struggling to handle millions more passengers each year than it was designed for, leading to overcrowding and long lines. With the continued growth in passenger traffic, these expansion projects are crucial to enhancing the airport's infrastructure and improving the overall travel experience.

ABIA is Austin's primary airport

ABIA, or Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, is Austin's primary airport. It is located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin and covers 4,242 acres of land. The airport has two runways and three helipads.

ABIA was established in 1942 as a military base called Del Valle Army Air Base. In 1943, it was renamed Bergstrom Air Force Base in honour of Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, a reservist in the 19th Bombardment Group who was the first person from Austin to be killed in World War II. The base was decommissioned in the early 1990s, and the city of Austin took over and converted it into a civilian airport, which opened in 1999.

ABIA has been rapidly expanding to accommodate Austin's growing population and is now one of the busiest airports in the country, serving about 97 domestic and international destinations. The airport currently has two terminals, with the main terminal, Barbara Jordan Terminal, consisting of 34 gates. The South Terminal is the smallest, with three gates, and is used by low-cost domestic carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines.

ABIA is currently undergoing a major expansion program, entitled "Journey with AUS", to accommodate its rapid growth and increase its capacity to handle over 30 million passengers annually. The expansion includes optimising the existing terminal, constructing a new midfield concourse (Concourse B), adding new taxiways, and various infrastructure upgrades. The new concourse is expected to be completed by 2030 and will add at least 20 new gates, with the potential for up to 40 gates in the future.

In addition to the new concourse, ABIA is also constructing a new arrivals and departures hall, which will add expanded ticketing and check-in areas, consolidated security checkpoints, and an expanded baggage claim area. The arrivals and departures hall is also expected to be completed by 2030 and will serve as the primary pickup and drop-off point for passengers.

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

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

Overview

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. Located in Austin, Texas, ABIA serves the Greater Austin metropolitan area and is owned and operated by the City of Austin. The airport has seen rapid growth in recent years, with an increasing number of nonstop flights and a significant rise in passenger traffic. To accommodate this growth, ABIA has undergone and continues to undergo significant expansion and development projects as part of its "Journey with AUS" program.

History and Growth

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the early 1940s when the City of Austin purchased land and donated it to the US Federal government for a military installation. Over the years, the airport has evolved, eventually replacing Robert Mueller Municipal Airport as Austin's main airport in 1999. The opening of the airport coincided with an increase in nonstop flights to and from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, as well as the introduction of new nonstop flights by American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Expansion Plans

To meet the growing demand and accommodate the increasing passenger traffic, ABIA has embarked on a series of expansion plans. The "Journey with AUS" program includes the construction of Concourse B, which will add 20 new gates and potentially expand to 40 gates in the future. This new concourse will be connected to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal, providing modern boarding areas and ample concession spaces. The program also includes the construction of a new arrivals and departures hall, enhancing ticketing, check-in, security, and baggage claim areas.

Economic Impact

Not only is ABIA experiencing rapid growth in terms of passenger traffic and infrastructure, but it also plays a crucial role in driving economic prosperity in the region. The airport is an economic engine in Central Texas, supplying over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs. The expansion projects are expected to further boost economic growth, with an estimated investment of $4 billion into modernizing and expanding the airport.

Passenger Experience

ABIA is committed to delivering an exceptional airport experience for its passengers. The expansion projects aim to increase capacity, enhance operations, and provide additional amenities. The airport currently features two terminals, with the Barbara Jordan Terminal being the largest and offering various restaurants, cafes, and shopping options. ABIA also boasts live music performances, staying true to Austin's reputation as "The Live Music Capital of the World."

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