AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Council will decide this week whether it wants to speed up plans to expand Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
On Tuesday, members of the city council reviewed a new report that analyzed the airport's continued growth, detailing how it is now growing at a pace faster than other major airports in the U.S.
According to the report, Austin's airport has so far seen 12.7 million travelers in 2023 and is projected to host 22 million before the year ends.
The airport is currently undergoing a number of expansion projects, including the expansion of the West Gate, which is currently projected to be finished in 2026. The West Gate Expansion is slated to add three additional gates, 84,500 square feet of terminal space by current Gates 33 and 34 and additional restrooms, waiting areas, a quiet space and a children’s play area.
The airport is also in the midst of adding an additional baggage handling system which, according to the airport's website, will be able to process 4,000 bags an hour, up from the current rate of roughly 1,600. It's projected to be completed by June 2024.
There are also additions and upgrades being made to TSA machines, which will allow for a smoother check-in for travelers.
Austin City Council members are expected to consider the option of speeding up airport expansion during their meeting on Thursday.
Read the full report detailing the status of the airport's expansion.
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