The much-anticipated West Gate expansion project at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is officially underway. As the biggest project in a series of airport upgrades, the expansion is estimated to cost an impressive $164 million. The project will sprawl across an area of 84,500 square feet, incorporating three new boarding gates and five waiting areas. Additionally, the expansion will see the replacement of 12 boarding bridges and numerous new facilities including concession stands, restrooms, a children’s play area as well as spaces dedicated to family, nursing, meditation and pet relief.
The project isn’t limited to passenger areas; other significant developments in progress include improvements to TSA checkpoints, installation of a 90,000-sq-ft air cargo facility, jet fuel storage facility, and an upgraded baggage handling system. All these additional developments are scheduled to be completed within two years.
As part of the more long-term plans, there are plans to add a 13,000 square foot infill in the airport’s atrium and the construction of a future midfield concourse and its connector tunnel. To make way for the new ten-gate midfield concourse, the existing South Terminal will be demolished, a project which will cost the city $88 million.
With these improvements and additions, ABIA not only hopes to offer more economical flights but also provide more convenient travel options and create more job opportunities. The project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2026 and will be funded through ABIA’s cash reserves, airport revenues, and future bonds. For more updates on this project, stay tuned! [[https://www.recenter.tamu.edu/news/newstalk-texas/?Item=29801]]