Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials announced a $33.27 million funding grant from the Federal Aviation Administration in October to support the construction of the airport’s nearly $2 billion Concourse B project.
What we know
The "Journey with AUS" expansion program includes several projects at the airport spread over many years. Those include a new baggage handling system, facilities and passenger gates, various airfield upgrades, and the construction of new taxiways and second concourse.
Concourse B is expected to create at least 20 new airline gates, supporting additional airline operations in order to meet mounting airport demands from the Central Texas community.
The project will also add more restaurants, shops, lounges, live music venues and passenger amenities.
This summer, Austin City Council members approved $72 million for the design of ABIA's new Concourse B midfield, and a new tunnel linking it with the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal.
With the project in the early stages of design, airport leaders aim to begin construction in 2027 and anticipate opening the new facility as early as 2030, according to a news release.
To date, the Concourse B project has been awarded $47.62 million in federal funding. ABIA has indicated staff will continue to apply for additional federal grants as well as using other airport financing options which include airport revenue bonds, cash-on-hand and future airport revenues, according to the release.
One more thing
Airport and city officials also celebrated several additional milestones over the summer, including:
- Breaking ground on the Midfield Taxiways project
- Completing structural supports for the West Infill project—which will house the new baggage system and TSA Checkpoint 3
- Receiving city approval for design and construction contracts for the Concourse B and Arrivals and Departures Hall projects
