Dozens of Central Texas and Austin leaders gathered today at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), including Congressman Doggett, Congressman Casar, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, and Austin City Councilmembers Vanessa Fuentes and Ryan Alter to celebrate the groundbreaking of the West Gate Expansion. Austin Chamber CEO Jeremy Martin was on hand to commemorate the project's start. This project is one of the near-term Journey With AUS expansion projects that will improve the Central Texas airport that continues to serve a record-breaking volume of passenger and airline activities.

The West Gate Expansion project will increase terminal space beyond its current gates 33 and 34 totaling an additional 84,500 gross square feet over three levels of apron, concourse and mezzanine space. The expansion will add amenities that children, families, and travelers of all ages will enjoy. In the new space, there will be amenities such as new food and retail spaces, public art through the City of Austin Arts in Public Places Program, more seating areas, the largest restrooms in the terminal, quiet places for relaxation and private rooms for nursing or pumping, and an exciting third-level outdoor public patio with amazing views of the city skyline. The project will construct three new gates that will eventually offset the closure of existing gates during future construction activities.

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport aims to expand its infrastructure in an environmentally conscious manner. To achieve this, they have set a goal of obtaining a 3-Star certification for sustainability from the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB). The airport is committed to funding these improvements through traditional airport development funding sources, such as airport cash reserves, current and future airport revenues, and future revenue bond proceeds. No local Austin taxpayer dollars will be used for this project. Additionally, AUS is exploring options to secure federal grant funding to support the initiative.

Construction work for the expansion project is set to begin this summer, with the new facilities expected to open in 2026. During the demolition work between gates 33 and 34, construction walls will be put up, and a longer-term wall will be built by spring 2024. Despite ongoing construction, all current gates on the west side will remain operational.