Austin Airport Expansion & Flight Service
What's New at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
As one of the fastest-growing airports in North America, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is an easily accessible route for attendees from around the world, making the city an attractive place to host meetings. And an array of airport initiatives promises to make flying in and out of centrally located Austin an even better experience.
With service by 20 airlines going to and from nearly 100 national and international destinations, getting to Austin is a breeze whether passengers are from San Diego, San Juan or Frankfurt, Germany. Once attendees arrive, they’ll be amazed by Austin-Bergstrom’s welcoming live music, local dining and shopping outposts, and growing lounge offerings. Plus, the airport is a quick 15-minute drive or ride to downtown Austin, so traveling to the city is easy.
AUS Terminal. Credit Dan Herron.
Austin-Bergstrom chalked up another record-setting year in 2023, when over 22 million passengers passed through the airport, beating the 2022 record by more than one million people. The airport’s busiest day was Oct. 23, 2023, when 43,243 passengers were screened by security. In recognition of the airport’s post-pandemic growth, resilience and innovation, CAPA – Centre for Aviation named Austin-Bergstrom the Medium-Sized Airport of the Year during the Global Aviation Awards for Excellence.
Part of the reason for the honor was airport improvements in the Journey With AUS expansion program to handle the unprecedented number of people traveling to Austin.
“Ensuring a positive, safe and efficient passenger experience has always been our priority at AUS, and the recent surge in passenger numbers has made it even more crucial for us to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our travelers,” airport officials noted. “The Journey With AUS expansion program reflects our dedication to this goal.”
The airport broke ground in August 2023 on the West Gate project, which will add 84,500 square feet of space, creating three more gates beyond existing gates 33 and 34. New concourse amenities will include more restaurants, shops, public art, seating areas and an outdoor patio. The new area is expected to open in 2026. Other projects in the vision and design phases include the ticketing atrium, international arrival area, parking and Concourse B.
Asleep at the Wheel Stage, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Credit Austin Pro Photo.
“One of our key focuses is maximizing the utilization of every square foot of existing space within the airport while we are designing and building new areas,” AUS CEO Ghizlane Badawi said. “By reevaluating how we deliver services and leveraging innovative design concepts, we aim to create efficient pathways and optimized facilities that streamline the passenger journey from curb to gate.”
The airport’s focus extends beyond physical growth to a commitment to enhancing passenger amenities and services. For example, the Mobility Assistance Zone, designed to cater to the needs of passengers requiring assistance, contributes to offering a seamless travel experience for all passengers.
Meeting planners can arrange to use the Corporate Hospitality Program to ensure their attendees get a friendly first impression and warm welcome to Austin. Apply to use the Meet and Greet Center, including its video messages and assistance from airport staff, at the east end of baggage claim.
Knowing that planning successful meetings means sticking to a budget, Visit Austin partners with Delta to offer meeting discount programs Corporate Meetings, Conferences & Events and SkyTeam Global Meetings. Plan meetings, conferences and events for travelers coming from a variety of locations. With Delta’s portfolio of meeting products, travelers will receive travel discounts, access to self-service tools and a dedicated team of specialists that can take care of ongoing needs. More information can be found at delta.com/meetings.
Learn more about Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
