Austin-Bergstrom to undergo largest expansion in history
By Sahar Chmais
If you recently travelled through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), chances are there was a longer wait than most have been accustomed to. The airport is working to fix the overcrowding issue through a massive expansion.
Contracting and public engagement opportunities are slated to begin in late summer 2021, with the airport’s most extensive improvement program in its history. The pandemic’s impact played a hand in rethinking travel and how the airport plans to meet the need created by COVID-19. The Airport Expansion Development Program (AEDP) includes components of the 2040 Master Plan that meet the immediate needs of passengers and airlines, according to ABIA’s press release.
“AUS is an economic engine in our community, already providing thousands of jobs,” said Gina Fiandaca, Assistant City Manager for Austin’s Mobility Outcome. “Through this new program, AUS will be able to meet the needs of Austinites, Central Texas and global travelers while driving regional economic recovery.”
ABIA has seen a growth in travel since March 2021, and summer 2021 activity is on track to match, or surpass, 2019 air travel activity.
Improvements will include:
- Optimization of the Barbara Jordan Terminal
- Enabling airfield and utility work to include building a new Central Utility Plant and removing existing structures to prepare for construction activities
- Preparing for a new Midfield Concourse with 10+ new gates and two new taxiways
