Why close Checkpoint 3?

• 75,000 sqft of new space
• A new outbound baggage handling system with the capacity to process 4,000 bags per hour (compared to the current system’s capacity of 1,600 bags per hour)
• Six to eight new lanes at Checkpoint 3

What else is happening at ABIA?

• West Gate Expansion | Expected completion date: Late 2026
  
  • 84,500 sqft of new space
  • New third level mezzanine, quiet space, and playscape
  • Three new gates
• Airline fuel facility | Expected completion date: This year
  
  • New fuel facility to meet demand for 3-5% annual increase

• Adding 13,000 sqft of floor space in the ticketing-level atrium
• Building new baggage carousels, booths, and queuing space for international arrivals
• Constructing Concourse B, which will connect to the Barbara Jordan Terminal through an underground tunnel
• Removing and replacing the Red Garage to make way for a new arrivals and departure hall with expanded check-in and concessions
• Erecting a new, 6,500- to 7,500-space garage near the Blue Garage

• “Year of the Dragon” Lunar New Year | Monday, Feb. 12 | 5-9 p.m. | Wu Chow, 500 W. 5th St., Austin | Cost of donation | Wu Chow’s annual Lunar New Year celebration will benefit Austin Pets Alive! and feature bites, special cocktails, and lion dancers.
• Cut Flower Gardening | Monday, Feb. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | Free with admission | Learn the art of cut flower gardening, varieties for different seasons, and the impact on the environment.

• Austin Woman Fashion Show | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Austin PBS — KLRU-TV, 6101 Highland Campus Dr., Bldg. 3000, Austin | $75 | Seven emerging designers from the ACC Fashion Incubator will display their work at this evening also featuring networking, cocktails, and light bites.

• “Notting Hill” | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $11 | Spend Valentine’s Day watching Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts fall in love on the big screen.

• OUTsider Festival | Thursday, Feb. 15-Sunday, Feb. 18 | Times vary | The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd., Austin | $109 | Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of this festival with performances by LGBTQ+ artists centered around this year’s theme, “The Swish Up.”

• O. Henry Stories | Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 25 | Times vary | The Rollins Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | $14-$20 | Enjoy some comedic tales from this historic writer, who spent time living in Austin.

• Former Austin Police Chief Joe Chacon will take on a new role as Pflugerville’s director of emergency services. Chacon’s job will be to improve the city’s emergency planning and oversee ambulance company Allegiance Mobile Health. (Austin American-Statesman)

• The Other Ones Foundation’s Camp Esperanza may soon double in size, thanks in part to ~$65 million in state funds that will be distributed to groups fighting homelessness in Austin. The expansion is in early stages, but could add about seven acres to the site. (KXAN)

• A new dog park and bar called Bark House Social will open at 5022 E. Cesar Chavez St. this spring. In addition to an acre-wide off-leash park, the new spot will have an area for small + shy dogs, a splash area, a bar with alcohol and coffee, and a food truck. (Eater Austin)

• The City of Austin is expected to receive $1 million in federal funding today for pollution reduction in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown metro. The gift comes from the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. (KXAN)

• Speaking of pollution reduction, Travis County is one of 10 Texas counties that do not meet the EPA’s recently revised air quality standards. Counties that house other large Texas metros — like Dallas, Tarrant, Harris, and El Paso counties — were also on the list. (Community Impact Austin)

• Do you have a local love story? Submit your memories to our local love map by today, Feb. 12 for a chance to be featured in the newsletter. Psst — putting your love on the map makes a nice surprise for your sweetheart.

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