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Unpacking the Austin airport’s West Gate Expansion

Come spring 2026, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will feature a new outdoor balcony with skyline views + more.

A rendering of a spacious and modern airport terminal with large windows allowing natural light to fill the space. The terminal features a mezzanine level where a few travelers are seated or walking with luggage. Below, the ground level is bustling with people shopping and dining at various retail and food outlets. The high ceiling with exposed beams adds to the airy feel of the space. A colorful mural is visible on one wall, and a plane can be seen taking off outside the window, indicating the terminal's proximity to the runway.

The mezzanine level will provide a new space for travelers to lounge, eat, and take in skyline views.

Photo courtesy Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

The Journey With AUS expansion program is underway — and new details about one of the projects at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are taking flight.

The West Gate Expansion will add 84,500 sqft of new space across three levels on the west side of the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The project reached new heights in July 2024: its first steel beam was erected.

Two images depicting the ongoing construction at an airport. On the left, a large construction crane is seen lifting a steel beam against a backdrop of partly cloudy skies. The construction area below includes the airport terminal with equipment and workers on-site. On the right, a group of construction workers, all wearing hard hats and high-visibility vests, are gathered around a large steel beam, signing it as part of a ceremonial event. The beam is placed on concrete supports, and the surrounding area shows signs of active construction.

With the first steel beam installed, project leaders said the airport will now begin to look different each day.

Photo courtesy Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Meeting the need

As ABIA continues to break records for passenger totals, expansion is key to keeping up with the airport’s demand. Other updates in the works include the West Infill Project and the addition of Concourse B, a 20-gate concourse that will connect to the Barbara Jordan Terminal through a new tunnel.

The vision for Concourse B requires removing three gates, and the West Gate Expansion will add three new gates to balance the loss.

What to expect

A standout feature of the West Gate Expansion is a new mezzanine, which will include an outdoor balcony + indoor viewing area for travelers to relax and enjoy views of Downtown and the West Runway.

An exterior view of an airport terminal expansion featuring large glass walls and modern architecture. Several jet bridges extend from the terminal to parked airplanes, including a prominent United Airlines plane in the foreground. The terminal has multiple gates, with numbers 33 and 37 visible. Ground support equipment and airport personnel are working around the planes, preparing for takeoff or arrival. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and the overall scene reflects a busy yet orderly airport environment.

The West Gate Expansion will transform the exterior view of the Austin airport.

Photo courtesy Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Here’s what else is in the plan:

  • Seating areas for five gates
  • New restaurants
  • A playscape with an art integration
  • A meditation/quiet room + family and nursing rooms
  • New restrooms and a pet relief area

The timeline

Now that the first steel beam is installed, the Journey with AUS team is looking ahead to the next milestones: the topping out of the steel and applying the building’s skin structures. They expect the project to be complete in spring 2026.

Learn more about the project.

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