Lois Larson
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, or ABIA, is an international airport in Austin, Texas, serving the Greater Austin metropolitan area. The airport is located about 5-10 miles southeast of downtown Austin, covering 4,242 acres of land with two runways and three helipads. The airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States and is an economic engine in Central Texas, providing over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region. The airport is surrounded by several neighbourhoods, including Addison, Colorado Crossing, and Easton Park.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Austin–Bergstrom International Airport |
| Former Name | Robert Mueller Municipal Airport |
| Location | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Distance from Downtown Austin | 5 miles (8 km) |
| Area | 4,242 acres (1,717 ha) |
| Runways | 2 |
| Helipads | 3 |
| Terminal | Barbara Jordan passenger terminal |
| Gates | 25 |
| Neighborhoods | Addison, Colorado Crossing, Chernosky, Easton Park, Southeast Austin, Montopolis, East Riverside |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport
The airport is located on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was decommissioned in the early 1990s. The land was then used to build a new airport to replace the old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, which had become too small for Austin's needs. The new airport was approved by voters in a referendum in 1987 and construction began in 1994. The airport opened to the public in 1999, on May 23, with a 12,250-foot (3,730 m) runway, one of the longest commercial runways in the nation.
The airport offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, food concessions, banks, currency exchanges, gift shops, newsstands, and chair massages. It also features live music performances, art exhibits, and local food options. Transportation options to and from the airport include rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle services, and public buses.
California's Airports: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/916M1Q5QLjL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Manor location plans abandoned
As Austin was quickly outgrowing the old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, the city began considering options for a new airport as early as 1971. In 1976, the city proposed to the United States Air Force that they share the Bergstrom Air Force Base, but this was rejected as it would be too disruptive to the Air Force's operations. In the late 1980s, neighbourhoods around Mueller applied pressure to the city council to choose a site for a new airport.
In November 1987, voters approved a referendum designating a site near Manor. However, the city faced lawsuits from the Sierra Club and others concerned about the Manor location's potential environmental impact. The plans to construct an airport at the Manor location were eventually abandoned in 1991 when the Base Realignment and Closure Commission selected Bergstrom for closure, allowing the city to convert the land and runways for civilian use. The city council decided to move forward with the Bergstrom site for the new airport, which would be named Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
The City of Austin hired John Almond, a civil engineer who had recently led the airport design team for the new airport expansion in San Jose, California, as Project Director for the new $585 million airport. The issue of a $400 million bond referendum for a new airport owned and operated by the city was put to a public vote in May 1993 and was approved by 63% of the vote. Groundbreaking for the new airport began in November 1994, and construction started in October 1995. The new 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.
Today, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is undergoing a major expansion program, entitled "Journey With AUS", to accommodate the rapid growth in travel demand. The expansion plans include the construction of a new arrivals and departures hall that will consolidate ticketing, security screening, and baggage claims. The airport is also planned to be the southern terminus of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Blue Line light rail, which may be completed as early as 2029.
Frankfurt Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Boarding
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Neighborhoods [Explicit]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91-6AhClXXL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Austin Powers Triple Feature (International Man of Mystery / The Spy Who Shagged Me / Goldmember) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91YNHjASr0L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Bergstrom Air Force Base
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, or ABIA, is located in Austin, Texas, United States. The airport is named after 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 Austin native and officer who was the first person from the city to be killed in World War II.
In its later years, the base was a major site for the United States Air Force's RF-4C Phantom reconnaissance fighter fleet. It was also the airfield that President Lyndon B. Johnson flew into and out of when travelling between Washington and his ranch in Texas. During the 1970s, as Austin's municipal airport became crowded, the city proposed a shared civil-military airport at Bergstrom, but this was rejected by the USAF.
In 1990, Bergstrom was slated for closure by the post-Cold War Base Realignment and Closure Committee, and the base was officially closed on 30 September 1993. The land was returned to the City of Austin, which used it to build a new airport, replacing the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. The new airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, opened to the public on 23 May 1999. The terminal building reused a structure from the former Air Force Base, adding outdoor waiting areas and a food truck retail area.
Rio's Galeão Airport: Gateway to Brazil's Marvelous City
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Live music programming
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is known for its unique live music programming. Before the pandemic, the airport would book around 30 musicians a week to play in the terminal. The program is now regaining traction, with many live stages and performance areas for travellers to enjoy.
The airport, located in Austin, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. It is also an economic hub, providing over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in Central Texas. With two runways and three helipads, AUS covers 4,242 acres and handles over 500 arrivals and departures daily to 76 destinations.
The airport was built on the site of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was decommissioned in the early 1990s. The land was then used for Austin's main airport, which opened in 1999. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion programme, entitled "Journey With AUS", to accommodate the rapid growth in travel demand.
For travellers looking to experience Austin's famous nightlife, the Rainey Street Historic District is a great option. Old residential homes have been converted into bungalow bars, creating a charming atmosphere for visitors to explore. This district is located 6.7 miles from AUS.
Another nearby neighbourhood is Addison, one of the closest to the airport. Addison offers a mix of traditional and modern homes, along with amenities like rain gardens, a community pool, and a kids' playground.
A Smooth Guide to Checking Back at the Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![AUSTIN (Bonus) [Explicit]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81o9mdJpVIL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Hotels near AUS
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, or ABIA, is located in Austin, Texas, about 5 miles from downtown Austin. The airport covers 4,242 acres and is the third busiest airport in Texas. There are several hotels located near the airport that offer a range of amenities and services.
One popular option is the Courtyard Austin Airport, which offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, event venues, and a WELL Health-Safety Rating, ensuring a clean and safe environment for guests. Pets are welcome at the hotel, but cannot be left unattended in rooms.
For those looking for a gym and pool, the Extended Stay America Premier Suites Austin Austin Airport offers a 24-hour gym, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee in a common area. The Cambria Hotel Austin Airport is another option, featuring an outdoor pool, a gym, and free WiFi. Both hotels offer free parking and a 24-hour front desk.
Other hotels near AUS include the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport, and Tru by Hilton Austin Airport. These hotels offer amenities such as free WiFi, outdoor pools, gyms, business centers, and laundry facilities.
The neighborhoods near Austin Airport include Addison, Colorado Crossing, and Easton Park, offering a range of residential options for those looking to live close to the airport.
Uber at Burbank Airport: Available or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, or ABIA (IATA: AUS, ICAO: KAUS, FAA LID: AUS, formerly BSM).
The airport is located about 5 miles (8 km; 4 nmi) southeast of downtown Austin.
AUS.
The airport features live music programming, free WiFi for up to four hours, and complimentary hydration stations.
Addison, Colorado Crossing, and Easton Park.
