Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is preparing for one of the largest infrastructure expansions in its history. City officials and major airlines have finalized new 10-year use and lease agreements that pave the way for 32 additional gates, modernized facilities, updated passenger services, and long-term capacity planning that stretches well into the 2030s. For a city experiencing sustained population and tourism growth, the expansion represents a major shift in how Austin will connect to the rest of the country.

Austin-Bergstrom opened its main terminal in 1999 to serve about 11 million annual passengers. In the years since, Austin’s population has nearly doubled, tourism has surged, and AUS has become one of the fastest-growing mid-sized airports in the country. The terminal was not built for today’s demand, and city officials have acknowledged that modernization and expansion are necessary to maintain operational efficiency and improve the passenger experience.

Two recent sources outline the current plans:

• City of Austin Aviation Department (Jan 2026): Announced finalized use and lease agreements with major carriers, setting the terms for the multibillion-dollar expansion program.

• Austin Business Journal (Jan 7, 2026): Reported updated gate counts, airline allocations, construction phases, and the expected scale of investment.

For years, the airport projected between 20 and 30 new gates depending on airline demand. The finalized agreements confirm a higher number: 32 new gates, spread across new and redeveloped concourses.

Austin’s rapid growth has placed significant strain on AUS. Crowded security lines, limited gate availability, and constrained arrival/departure halls have become common pain points for residents and visitors. The expansion aims to address these issues directly:

• More gates = more flight options

• Improved circulation = shorter waits and less congestion

• Updated facilities = more reliable travel during peak volumes

City leaders frame this as a long-term infrastructure upgrade that supports Austin’s economic health. Tourism, business travel, tech industry mobility, and regional airline connectivity all rely on a functional airport. Mayor Kirk Watson called the agreement a foundation for “how Austin will grow” over the next several decades.

For locals, this means more consistent travel experiences and potentially fewer delays caused by gate shortages or overcrowded terminal spaces. For businesses, it supports continued growth and recruitment, especially among companies that depend on reliable national and international flight networks.

All items below come from the City of Austin Aviation Department, the Austin Business Journal, and major airline announcements:

• 32 new gates total

• Concourse B: 26 gates, anchored by Southwest Airlines

• Concourse A: Home to Delta (15 gates) and American (9 gates)

• Additional flexibility for new or growing airlines via common-use gates

• More than $5 billion in projected investment

• Some components expected to open by 2027

• Full buildout stretches into the early-to-mid 2030s

• Centralized TSA checkpoint

• Expanded ticket counters

• Modernized baggage hall and arrivals area

• Enlarged hold rooms and wider circulation paths

• Redevelopment of the Barbara Jordan Terminal

• Updated concessions program with an emphasis on local Austin businesses

• New Delta SkyClub and new American Airlines Admirals Club

Designed as a pre-engineered, flexible-use concourse intended to support construction phasing and operational overflow.

• Six gates

• Connected by a dedicated passenger transport system

• Supports both scheduled and irregular operations

• Rideshare pickup zones (Uber, Lyft, etc.) will be moved closer to the terminal

• Improved arrival/departure flow patterns

• The Aviation Department projects a 97% increase in ABIA net income for fiscal year 2026 compared with the previous year

• Southwest has announced plans to triple its Austin workforce, supported by nearly $20 million in combined state and city incentives

For Austin residents and frequent travelers, here’s what this means in the coming years:

1. Expect construction disruptions - Terminal renovations, roadway reconfigurations, and concourse development will inevitably cause temporary congestion. Most work will be phased to reduce impact, but delays and detours will still occur.

2. More flight options in the future - As the new gates open, airlines will have more room to add routes. Southwest, Delta, and American have already signaled interest in expanding their Austin operations.

3. Improved check-in and security flow - The centralized TSA checkpoint and expanded ticketing areas aim to streamline the most crowded parts of the airport.

4. More space inside the terminal - Larger waiting areas, more seating, and wider walkways are intended to reduce the overcrowded feel of peak travel periods.

5. Enhanced experience for visitors - Updates to concessions and amenities reflect an effort to showcase local Austin food, retail, and culture.

Based on official announcements, several milestones will be important for locals to follow:

• 2027: Earliest targeted completion of some expansion components

• Airline announcements: Carriers may begin signaling new routes or expanded operations as gate availability increases

• Concourse M updates: This flexible-use concourse is key to construction phasing and may open earlier than other long-term facilities

• Transportation improvements: Changes to rideshare pickup, parking, drop-off zones, and roadways may roll out in phases

• City budget cycles: The airport’s financial projections are tied to multi-year city budgeting and capital planning decisions

Because the project spans decades, timelines and specific components may shift. Only information released by the City of Austin and verified news outlets should guide expectations.

Austin-Bergstrom’s expansion is one of the largest public infrastructure efforts currently underway in Central Texas. With 32 new gates, modernized concourses, updated passenger services, and long-term growth planning, the project is designed to match the pace of Austin’s continued population and tourism growth. While construction will take years and may create temporary inconvenience, the finished airport is expected to offer more capacity, more reliability, and a significantly improved experience for travelers moving through the city.