Austin airport receives $108 million grant from FAA

AUSTIN, Texas — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week committed $108 million to go toward expanding Austin’s main airport.

According to a press release from the City of Austin, the funding will support a portion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s Journey With AUS expansion program, which will add new taxiways and upgrade airfield infrastructure.

The funding is part of the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides grants to public agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports. 

Concourse B is one of the largest expansion projects in the history of the airport. The project will add more than 20 new gates at the airport, expand concession opportunities and passenger amenities. It will also add parallel taxiways, high-speed exits and “related infrastructure to reduce congestion, enhance operational safety, and ensure AUS can accommodate future growth.”

According to the City of Austin, the airport will continue applying for federal funding while also using traditional methods like airport revenue bonds, cash-on-hand and future airport revenues to fund the expansion.

“No local taxpayer dollars from the City of Austin’s General Fund are used to fund airport improvements,” the press release said.

The FAA’s funding commitment comes after a bipartisan letter of support led by U.S. Reps. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin; Greg Casar, D-Austin; Michael McCaul, R-Austin; Chip Roy, R-Austin; and John Carter, R-Round Rock.

“Their joint advocacy was critical in securing FAA approval and emphasized the importance of investing in AUS’s infrastructure to maintain regional mobility and economic competitiveness,” the release said.

“Whether traveling for business or pleasure, we all have a stake in airport expansion. This long-term federal commitment is essential to constructing an airport large enough to accommodate our rapid growth,” said Doggett, who has been vocal about air traffic safety concerns at ABIA in the past. “I look forward to supporting continued partnership opportunities with the FAA to secure the sustained federal engagement our community deserves. Together, we will continue working to assure our airport can safely serve the truly international city that Austin has become.”

FAA Administrator Brian Bedford said the investment will help “reduce delays and increase capacity as the airport continues to grow.”