Journalist – Aaron is an aviation and travel journalist with 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. His background spans airport operations, aviation infrastructure, and travel consulting, having worked with global organizations across New Zealand, Europe, and North America. Combining industry expertise with firsthand travel experience across more than 52 countries and five continents, Aaron covers airlines, airports, aviation policy, and the wider travel sector. He is based in Canterbury, New Zealand. His work has been published in Simple Flying and featured by MSN, SAM CHUI Aviation & Travel, EIN News, Pakistan Defence, and Climate Depot.
The airport redevelopment at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) appears to have airport officials reconsidering whether the airport would eventually need multiple concourses. The tunnel being built for Concourse B may be extended for a potential Concourse C as the airport continues to grow. The airport is already having Concourse B and Concourse M in the works.
Future gate assignments outlined by the Austin Business Journal suggest that Dallas-based Southwest Airlines will be the largest carrier at the new Concourse B in the future, with 18 of 26 gates reserved for the low-cost carrier. Delta Air Lines will be the largest operator in the Barbara Jordan Terminal, with possession of 15 of 34 gates.
A Future Concourse C Could Be On The Cards At Austin
As airlines are already considering more flights from Austin, it has been widely speculated that Delta could even be considering it as a future hub. The Atlanta-based carrier is believed to be considering transatlantic services to Paris from AUS, as soon as next summer. With gate commitments already secured, officials are evaluating the necessity of additional concourses.
The future Concourse M is planned to have six unassigned overflow gates, which will be connected to the existing Barbara Jordan terminal with a shuttle service. The multi-year airport expansion and development program already underway is expected to meet current and future needs at the airport, which serves a growing region.
The improvements are being funded through traditional airport development sources and airport cash reserves. The local Austin taxpayer is not footing any of the bill to fund the program. Several features that are already underway at the airport include the West Gate expansion, New Midfield Taxiways, Yellow Garage and Atrium Infill.
Design Phases Underway at Austin Bergstrom International Airport
As depicted by the airport development program overview, the five-phase process has several stages that will transform the airport and enable it to meet growing demand. While several phases are already being built, many are still in the design phase, including the development of remote Concourse M, the new Concourse B and its tunnel, an integrated baggage handling system, the Red Garage parking area, and a new central utility plant.
Groundbreaking for Concourse B is expected this year, with completion scheduled for early 2030. As part of this design and build, a new arrival and departure hall is also on the cards, where the Red Garage and pick-up/drop-off lanes are located. The new halls will have a centralized TSA checkpoint, airport concessions, meet-and-greet area, and mobility lounge.
The project is designed to reduce congestion and improve passenger flow while still supporting future growth. The Austin City Council has authorized around $45 million for engineering and architectural services, with another $820 million for preconstruction and construction services. In all, the total airport redevelopment is estimated to cost more than $5 billion.
With a 14% increase in seats from Austin compared to last year, Delta is poised to become the fastest-growing carrier at Austin.
Journey With AUS – The Airport’s Major Expansion Program
Announced in 2024, Journey With AUS is the major expansion program set to accommodate increased travel demand. Concourse B can be expanded to up to 40 gates in the future and connected to the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal, which will be renamed Concourse A. The underground tunnel will funnel passengers between the two areas without interrupting aircraft operations.
The tunnel will be capable of supporting future Concourse C development, which will provide additional gates and capacity for additional aircraft serving the airport.
Austin Bergstrom is located just five miles (8 km) from downtown Austin, and the airport sits on what was the Bergstrom Air Force Base. The airport is currently served by 24 different airlines to more than 160 destinations.
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