Get ready for takeoff, because Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about to get a lot bigger.
Come spring 2026, the West Infill and TSA Checkpoint 3 Expansion Project will add an additional 75,000 sqft across four levels to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Construction began in fall 2023, but airport and city officials celebrated with a groundbreaking on Monday, April 22.
The project, part of the Journey With AUS vision, is a portion of the airport’s upgrade pipeline — let’s break down what the airport will look like in just two years.
What’s in store for AUS?
There’s been an influx of passenger traffic in recent years. AUS saw its busiest day ever in October 2023 with 43,243 passengers and frequently sees days with 30,000+ passengers.
AUS officials said more space is needed to properly process its 30 million annual passengers. Here’s what’s in the plans:
- A new outbound baggage handling system able to process 4,000 bags per hour (the current system’s capacity is 1,600 bags per hour) on 1.5 miles of conveyor belts
- Six to eight new TSA lanes at Checkpoint 3
- More ticketing counters and kiosks
- New offices for AUS and TSA staff
- Upgraded HVAC equipment
- Austin Energy Green Building 3-star rating sustainability goal
The funding
In total, the project will cost ~$241 million, including ~$16 million allocated from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Journey With AUS projects are not funded by Austin taxpayer dollars, but with bonds, grants, and cash reserves.
In the meantime
As a result of the construction, Checkpoint 3 is currently closed. Travelers can use Checkpoints 1 and 2 West for general screening, Checkpoints 1 and 2 East for TSA PreCheck, or Checkpoint 1 for CLEAR.
The Journey with AUS plan also includes the West Gate Expansion — including a new mezzanine level and playscape — a new fuel facility, new baggage carousels, parking upgrades, and more.
