On June 26, our Chairman’s Circle members got to hear from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi, who was interviewed by HNTB’s Summer Lawton about her new role and all of the changes coming to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This event, sponsored by HNTB, is part of our Chairman's Circle series, which gives Austin Chamber’s highest-level members the exclusive opportunity to hear from community leaders about issues impacting Central Texas.

Summer Lawton: What has been your career path leading up to your role as the CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport?

Ghizlane Badawi: My journey in aviation began as an internal auditor with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a role that provided me with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of airport operations. This position gave me a crash course in all the different facets of aviation. From there, I was able to work in a variety of divisions at the Austin airport, from leading operations, maintenance and security to leading performance management, human resources, air service development, communications, and guest experience. It was this diverse exposure that fueled my passion for the industry. I found the dynamic environment and the constant innovation in aviation incredibly exciting. The opportunity to be involved in enhancing passenger experiences, expanding air service, and improving airport operations was particularly inspiring and set the stage for my career growth. Now as the leader of the airport, I am excited that I get to put that experience into action.

Summer Lawton: What excites you most about your work at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport? Are there any things as the CEO that you are particularly passionate about?

Ghizlane Badawi: What excites me most is the incredible team I work with. We have more than 700 dedicated professionals in our aviation department who work tirelessly to keep the airport running smoothly. Their commitment and passion inspire me every day. Additionally, I am deeply passionate about our ongoing and upcoming projects, particularly those involving technological advancements and sustainability initiatives. The potential to positively impact the community and contribute to Austin's growth and development is incredibly motivating.

We have to be creative to have our airport remain open while building new facilities all over our campus. I am very thankful for the work HNTB has done to help us with us identify short-term upgrades and sequence long-term projects that will make our expansion efficient and prepared for further expansion in the future.

Summer Lawton: How do you see your role impacting the community and the broader region of Austin? Can you share any highlights that make you proud of your team’s work?

Ghizlane Badawi: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport plays a vital role in the local economy, contributing to job creation, tourism, and business growth. We have spent the last year focusing on communicating and connecting with our community and those efforts have been successful. We have held open houses, and industry days, and our teams have attended dozens of events across the region. This work further strengthens our ties with Austin residents and businesses. This work is going to continue as we get deeper into our Airport Expansion and Development Program. Passengers are going to experience some disruptions as they come to the airport. We are working very hard to make sure the community is prepared for our journey of expanding and modernizing the airport.

Summer Lawton: What makes Austin an attractive place for airlines? What can we do to increase our attractiveness as a region?

Ghizlane Badawi: Austin is an attractive place for airlines due to its rapid population growth and strong economy, creating a high demand for air travel. Our vibrant tech scene, cultural events, and renowned music festivals also draw travelers from around the world. Additionally, Austin's strategic location makes it an ideal hub for connecting various regions. To further increase our attractiveness, we need to continue being a community that works together on air service. The Chamber, Opportunity Austin, Visit Austin, and the Aviation Committee organized by the chamber play crucial roles in this effort.

Summer Lawton: How can the business community support what is going on at AUS? Are there particular areas that you think the business community is primed to help the airport with?

Ghizlane Badawi: The business community can support Austin-Bergstrom International Airport by utilizing our nonstop routes, especially transatlantic services, which help maintain and expand our flight offerings. We spend years working with airlines to have them bring new services to our airport. Once those new services arrive the community must work together to make sure we utilize it. In air service, we say “use it or lose it” and we need our community to use the service we have so we can maintain it and attract new routes and airlines. Parking onsite to support the airport financially. Partnership Opportunities with businesses (e.g., retail, services, sponsorships). Ongoing feedback and collaboration between the airport and the business community.

Summer Lawton: Looking ahead, what are your long-term visions for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport? How do you see the airport evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?

Ghizlane Badawi: Our long-term vision for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is centered around a robust expansion program and global connectivity. We are focused on bringing the much-needed improvement projects online as soon as possible and continue enhancing our connectivity.. As Austin continues to grow as a tech hub, our airport must reflect our place in the tech space. This means integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. We are committed to expanding our facilities to accommodate the increasing number of passengers. Our goal is to ensure that AUS not only meets the current demands but also sets new standards for innovation and sustainability in the aviation industry. By doing so, we aim to solidify our position as a leading airport that serves as a gateway to the thriving tech community and vibrant culture of Austin.