Austin, Texas, December 9, 2025
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been awarded a $108 million grant from the FAA to improve airfield capacity and passenger amenities. This funding will support the expansion of Concourse B, adding over 20 new gates, and introduce new taxiways and high-speed exits to enhance efficiency and safety. This initiative reflects bipartisan support and a commitment to regional economic growth, ensuring the airport meets the rising travel demands in Central Texas.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Secures $108 Million for Expansion
Austin, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is set to significantly enhance its capacity and passenger experience with a recent commitment of $108 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Airfield Capacity Improvements Project. As travel demand continues to soar in Central Texas, this funding is a vital step towards ensuring the airport can accommodate future growth while fostering a robust economic environment.
This funding not only underscores the resilience of Austin’s infrastructure but also highlights the importance of bipartisan support in infrastructure development. The collaborative effort from local leaders in advocating for this financial boost reflects the community’s commitment to enhancing regional mobility and economic vitality through strategic investments.
Details of the Funding
The FAA’s Letter of Intent dedicates long-term federal support towards upgrading AUS’s airfield and taxiways, aiming to improve efficiency, minimize delays, and increase safety measures. Key elements of the project include the introduction of new parallel taxiways to support Concourse B, as well as high-speed exits designed to reduce congestion. These enhancements will ensure AUS can handle both current and future passenger demand effectively.
Concourse B Expansion
The expansion of Concourse B signifies one of the largest capital projects in the airport’s history, poised to add over 20 new gates. This expansion not only facilitates airline growth but also opens the door for increased concession opportunities—think restaurants, shops, lounges, and live music venues. By elevating the travel experience, AUS is committed to providing an authentic taste of Austin and Central Texas from the moment passengers arrive.
Funding Sources and Community Impact
This $108 million commitment followed a bipartisan approach led by Congressman Lloyd Doggett, with support from Representatives Greg Casar, Michael McCaul, Chip Roy, and John Carter. Their unified advocacy played a crucial role in securing FAA approval, emphasizing that investment in AUS’s infrastructure is essential for sustaining the region’s economic competitiveness.
Background on AUS Expansion Program
The Journey With AUS expansion program is designed as a strategic, phased framework to guide construction and improvements at the airport. The program encompasses initiatives laid out in the 2040 Master Plan and includes projects that address the recent record-breaking growth at AUS. Optimizing the Barbara Jordan Terminal and the addition of a new midfield concourse are among the key objectives to ensure passenger experience and service availability match the rising demands.
Funding Allocation
Thus far, AUS has also secured $96.34 million from the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program for the Concourse B and Tunnel project. The airport’s strategy involves pursuing competitive federal funding and employing traditional financing methods—like airport revenue bonds and cash reserves—ensuring that no local taxpayer dollars are utilized for these improvements from the City of Austin’s General Fund.
Recent Milestones
The announcement of this funding arrives following other significant accomplishments within the Journey With AUS initiative. Notably, the International Arrivals Improvements project was completed ahead of schedule, alongside the initiation of construction for the Yellow Garage and Atrium Infill projects. These developments demonstrate a proactive approach to managing the airport’s growth and enhancing service quality.
About Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Owned by the City of Austin and operated by Austin Aviation, AUS achieved large-hub status granted by the FAA for the first time in 2022. Currently, the airport serves approximately 20 million passengers annually and hosts over 40 local brands for shopping and dining, includes eight live music stages, and accommodates more than 15 airlines.
About Journey With AUS
The Journey With AUS program represents the Austin-Bergstrom Airport Expansion and Development endeavor, manifesting a systematic strategy for guiding essential construction and improvement projects. It is focused on enhancing the passenger experience while meeting increasing air service demands through infrastructural optimizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the amount of federal funding secured by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport?
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has secured a $108 million commitment from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support its Airfield Capacity Improvements Project.
What will the funding be used for?
The funding will support the Airfield Capacity Improvements Project, including new parallel taxiways to support Concourse B, high-speed exits, and related infrastructure to reduce congestion, enhance operational safety, and ensure AUS can accommodate future growth.
What is Concourse B?
Concourse B is one of the largest capital projects in AUS history, which will add more than 20 new gates to support airline growth. It will also bring additional concession opportunities for restaurants, shops, lounges, live music venues, and passenger amenities, ensuring travelers enjoy a safe, comfortable, and authentic Austin and Central Texas experience.
How is the funding allocated?
To date, AUS has secured $96.34 million from the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program for the Concourse B and Tunnel project. AUS will continue applying for competitive federal funding while also using traditional financing methods such as airport revenue bonds, cash-on-hand, and future airport revenues to deliver this and other expansion projects. No local taxpayer dollars from the City of Austin’s General Fund are used to fund airport improvements.
What is the Journey With AUS expansion program?
Journey With AUS is the Austin-Bergstrom Airport Expansion and Development program. The program is a strategic, phased approach to guiding construction and improvement projects, including select 2040 Master Plan projects and near-term improvements to address record-breaking growth at AUS. Journey With AUS projects will improve the passenger experience and meet the rising demand for air service at AUS through optimizing the Barbara Jordan Terminal, expanding infrastructure to increase gates, constructing a new midfield concourse, and connecting tunnel.
Key Features of the Expansion Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Concourse B | Adding more than 20 new gates to support airline growth, along with additional concession opportunities for restaurants, shops, lounges, live music venues, and passenger amenities. |
| Airfield Capacity Improvements | Implementing new parallel taxiways, high-speed exits, and related infrastructure to reduce congestion, enhance operational safety, and accommodate future growth. |
| Funding Sources | Utilizing federal funding, airport revenue bonds, cash-on-hand, and future airport revenues, with no local taxpayer dollars from the City of Austin’s General Fund used for airport improvements. |
| Journey With AUS Program | A strategic, phased approach to guiding construction and improvement projects, including select 2040 Master Plan projects and near-term improvements to address record-breaking growth at AUS. |
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