The gist
The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed in 2021, that has delivered about $29 billion to investment projects in Texas. These include projects that have rebuilt roads, expanded public transit and modernized airports, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett.
ABIA has previously received $15 million of funding for the expansion program from the Infrastructure Law in 2022.
Breaking it down
As ABIA officials report passenger volumes that break records for the airport’s busiest days and years, the expansion and development program aims to address the growth.
The design of a new 20-gate concourse—the area in which travelers pass through the airport—connected to the Barbara Jordan Terminal by an underground tunnel received $14.25 million of the federal funding Feb. 14.
This project aims to make room for more travelers and gates, and requires the removal of the South Terminal. City officials settled for $88 million in a lawsuit to begin the work in 2023.
Another project the funding will support at $25.26 million is the infill of the ticketing-level atrium in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. This will add about 13,000 square feet and accommodate passengers traveling through. Construction is expected to begin this year.
Diving in deeper
Other projects passengers may notice as part of the airport’s expansion include:
- Improvements to the international facility that will include new baggage carousels and more queuing space
- Two parallel taxiways to connect the east and west sides of the building
- The West infill project to expand TSA Checkpoint 3, which will add additional lanes to the TSA checkpoint
- A new jet fuel facility
- A new baggage handling system for outbound checked bags
- The West Gate expansion, which will extend the terminal out past gates 33 and 34, where Spirit Airlines is located
“This is an important step forward to advance this much-needed airport expansion,” Doggett said. “In order for Austin to remain an international city—a true hub of education, culture and technology—we must be properly equipped to support world-class endeavors and worldwide visitors.”
