Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is embarking on a massive expansion project, adding 32 new gates by the mid-2030s to address rapidly increasing passenger traffic. The $5 billion investment reflects the remarkable growth in air travel and the need to accommodate future demand.
Addressing Capacity Constraints
The expansion will be carried out in phases, building two new remote satellite concourses: Concourse B, featuring 26 gates, and Concourse M, with six gates. This adds to the existing 34 gates currently available across the terminal and Concourse A. The project also includes new taxiways and infrastructure to support the increased operational capacity.
This expansion is not happening in isolation. Airports nationwide are scrambling to keep pace with post-pandemic travel surges. Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Denver (DEN), among others, have recently broken ground on or expanded their own terminal projects. The trend underscores the broader recovery of air travel and the critical need for infrastructure upgrades.
Airline Distribution of New Gates
The new gates will be distributed among several major airlines:
- Southwest Airlines, the dominant carrier at AUS, will gain eight additional gates, bringing its total to 18 in Concourse B. This reflects Southwest’s strategic investment in Austin, including the opening of a 2,000+ employee crew base in March.
- Delta Air Lines, which declared Austin a focus city in 2018, will secure 11 new gates, expanding its presence to 15 in Concourse A. Delta’s aggressive route expansion demonstrates its commitment to challenging Southwest’s dominance in the Texas market.
- Other airlines, including American, United, and Alaska, will also receive additional gate allocations. The remaining 11 gates will be available for U.S. and international carriers, including Delta partners like Aeromexico, KLM, and WestJet.
Growth Drivers and Future Outlook
The expansion is driven by significant passenger growth. Through November 2025, AUS handled nearly 19.8 million travelers, a 25% increase from the same period in 2019. Delta led seat growth at 80%, followed by Southwest at 66%, American at 20%, and United at 13%.
The urgency of this expansion is clear. The airport’s facilities have struggled to keep pace with demand, prompting this large-scale investment. The demolition of the South Terminal, currently serving Allegiant and Frontier, will be required before construction on Concourse B can begin. Concourse M will serve as a temporary relief valve during construction and provide operational flexibility in the long term.
This expansion is part of a wider pattern of airport growth across the U.S., highlighting the industry’s recovery and future demand. The investment in new infrastructure will be vital in ensuring AUS can accommodate this growth effectively.
