Exploring Austin Airport: Navigating The Gates Efficiently

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is undergoing a major expansion to accommodate the rapid growth in travel demand. The airport currently has 34 gates across two terminals, but a new concourse is planned to be added in the 2030s, bringing the total number of gates to 54 or more. This expansion will help the airport handle the increasing passenger traffic, which has already exceeded the airport's capacity. The new concourse will be connected to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal by an underground tunnel and is expected to cost almost $1 billion.

The airport's history and previous expansions

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) has undergone several expansions since it opened in 1999. The airport was built on the foundations of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was decommissioned in the early 1990s.

The history of the airport can be traced back to the mid-20th century when, in 1928, voters approved the construction of the city's first airport, Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. This airport, which opened in 1936, was named after a recently deceased city council member. However, by the 1970s, it became clear that Austin was outgrowing this airport.

In 1942, the US government purchased land for a military facility, which became Del Valle Army Air Base (also known as Del Valle Airfield). In March 1943, it was renamed Bergstrom Army Airfield, after Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, who was the first Austinite to be killed in World War II. This base was later renamed Bergstrom Air Force Base.

In the 1970s, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed that Austin and San Antonio build a joint regional airport, but this idea was rejected. In the 1980s, the city council chose a site near Manor for a new airport, but these plans were abandoned in 1991 when the Base Realignment and Closure Commission selected Bergstrom for closure. The land was returned to the City of Austin, and it was decided that the new airport would be built on this site.

Construction on the new airport began in November 1994, and the last commercial flight departed Robert Mueller Municipal Airport on May 21, 1999. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport opened two days later, on May 23, 1999, with 24 contact gates and one gate without a jet bridge. The airport's IATA code, AUS, was transferred from the old airport.

Since its opening, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has undergone several expansions to accommodate the city's growing economic and cultural importance and the resulting boost in passenger numbers. The airport's main terminal, the Barbara Jordan Terminal, underwent its first expansion in 2015, adding an enlarged customs and immigration facility, baggage claim belts, and a security checkpoint.

In 2019, a $350 million addition to the east side of the terminal added nine new gates, increasing the total number of gates to 34. These gates are spaced farther apart to accommodate larger aircraft.

A small secondary terminal, known as the South Terminal, was also built in 2017, adding three more gates. This terminal is used exclusively by ultra-low-cost carriers Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. However, the South Terminal is scheduled to be demolished as part of the airport's ongoing expansion plans.

The current expansion program, entitled "Journey With AUS", includes plans for a new arrivals and departures hall, as well as the construction of Concourse B, which will add 20-40 new gates. This new concourse will be connected to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal via an underground tunnel. These expansions aim to accommodate the rapid growth in travel demand and increase the airport's capacity to 30-31 million passengers by 2037-2040.

Current expansion plans and timelines

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is undergoing a multi-year expansion, development, and improvement program called "Journey with AUS". The program's budget and scope are still in development, but it is expected to cost several billion dollars. The improvements will be funded through airport revenues, bond proceeds, and grants.

The expansion includes the construction of a new concourse, named Concourse B, which will add at least 20 new gates and room for 20 more. The new concourse will be connected to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal (to be renamed Concourse A) via an underground tunnel. The tunnel will also be capable of expanding to a future Concourse C. The new concourse is expected to open as early as 2030 and will cost around $1 billion.

Another key component of the expansion is the construction of a new arrivals and departures hall, which will consolidate ticketing, security screening, and baggage claims under one roof. This project is estimated to begin construction as early as late 2025 and open by 2030.

To accommodate the new concourse, two new midfield taxiways will be built, along with taxiway bridges, airfield lighting, signage, and security fencing. This project is currently in the build phase and is estimated to be completed by 2027.

Other projects under the Journey with AUS program include a new central utility plant, utility infrastructure improvements, a new outbound baggage handling system, an atrium infill to expand passenger processing, and a west infill and TSA checkpoint expansion. These projects are in various phases of design, build, or completion, with most estimated to be finished by 2026.

The airport is also constructing a new west parking garage and a surface parking lot to support the increasing passenger demand.

Overall, the Journey with AUS program aims to meet the current and future needs of the growing region while enhancing the passenger experience and staying true to its roots.

The airport's location and terminals

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Austin, Texas, United States. The airport covers 4,242 acres and has two runways and three helipads. It is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States and the third busiest in Texas.

The airport has two terminals: the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal. The terminals are not connected and are located around 8 miles apart. A courtesy shuttle bus service connects the two terminals, with the journey taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The Barbara Jordan Terminal is the main terminal and is located north of the airport. It is named after Barbara Jordan, the first African American to serve in the Texas Senate. This terminal has a semi-oval shape and features a split-level roadway across its two levels, with curbside drop-off and pick-up on both the upper and lower levels. There are ticketing and baggage claim areas, as well as two long concourses at either end where flights arrive and depart. The East Concourse is the most recently developed and has 13 gates, while the West Concourse has 11 gates. Overall, the Barbara Jordan Terminal has 34 gates, six of which can handle international flights.

The South Terminal is smaller and is used exclusively by Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. It is located on the south side of the airport perimeter and is accessible from Burleson Road. This terminal has three gates and does not have jet bridges; passengers board the aircraft by walking under a covered walkway or from the tarmac.

To accommodate the rapid growth in passenger traffic, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is undergoing a major expansion program called "Journey with AUS". This includes the construction of a new arrivals and departures hall, as well as a new concourse (Concourse B) that will add at least 20 new gates, bringing the total number of gates to 54 or more. The new concourse is expected to be completed by 2030 and will be connected to the Barbara Jordan Terminal by an underground tunnel.

Transport to and from the airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is located around 5 miles from downtown Austin, in Texas, United States. The airport is accessible by car, bus, taxi, rideshare, shuttle, or rental car.

If you're driving, you can reach the airport via I-35, taking exit 230 for TX-71 towards US-290 W/Bastrop/Johnson City/Airport. Keep left and follow signs for TX-71 E/Bastrop, merging onto TX-71 E, then exit onto Spirit of Texas Drive.

For those using public transport, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Route 20 bus runs from the airport to downtown Austin every 15 minutes, costing $1.25 for a single ride. The route takes around 35 minutes and passes through the East Riverside Corridor, University of Texas, and Manor Road.

Ridesharing services like Lyft, Uber, Wingz, and Ride Austin are also available, with designated pick-up and drop-off areas at the airport. Taxis are another option, with a minimum fee of $20, and a typical fare of $30-$40 to downtown Austin.

If you prefer a shuttle, Carter Transportation offers shared and private rides to and from the airport, with shared rides starting at $13 and private rides from $47.

For rental cars, there is a consolidated rental car centre located in a parking garage near the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Ten rental car companies have counters on the second floor, including Advantage, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, and National.

The airport also has two tram services to assist with transportation within the airport grounds. The first is the Red Garage First Floor to Rideshare Tram, which connects both entrances of the Red Garage on the first floor to the rideshare pick-up area. The second is the Mobility Tram, located on the third floor of the Red Garage, which takes passengers to the Rental Car Facility and offers easy access to rideshare pick-up.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is currently undergoing a major expansion, including the construction of a new concourse and the addition of at least 20 new gates to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic.

The airport's parking facilities

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) offers a range of parking options for travellers. The airport has two terminals: the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the South Terminal. Each terminal has its own parking facilities, which are not connected and are located around 8 miles apart.

Barbara Jordan Terminal Parking

The Barbara Jordan Terminal has two parking garages: the Red Garage and the Blue Garage. The Red Garage is located directly in front of the terminal and offers both short- and long-term parking options. The Blue Garage is within walking distance of the terminal, through the Red Garage. Both garages charge $5 per hour or $17-27 per day for parking. The Barbara Jordan Terminal also has an economy parking lot behind the Red and Blue Garages, with complimentary shuttles running to and from the terminal every 15 to 20 minutes. Parking in the economy lot costs $5 per hour or $10 per day.

South Terminal Parking

The South Terminal, which serves Frontier and Allegiant Airlines, has separate parking lots exclusive to passengers departing from this terminal. There are three parking options: the Premium Lot, located directly in front of the terminal; the SpotHero Close-in Lot, east of the terminal; and the Economy Lot, further east. All three lots are within walking distance of the terminal, but the economy lot also offers a complimentary shuttle service. The premium lot costs $22 per day, the SpotHero close-in lot costs $15 per day, and the economy lot costs $10 per day. The South Terminal also offers free parking for disabled veterans in the economy lot for up to 5 days.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking lots are available near the airport, offering daily parking rates starting at $10 per day. Additionally, there are several hotels located near the airport that offer parking for guests, such as the Hilton Austin Airport and the Hyatt Place Austin Airport.

Frequently asked questions