This marks the first project of the Barbara Jordan Terminal improvements to reach this stage of construction and is one of several milestones achieved by the Journey With AUS programme in recent weeks.
“I am excited to celebrate this milestone in the West Infill project, a critical step in expanding our capacity,” said Ghizlane Badawi, chief executive officer at AUS. “Each step brings us closer to delivering an enhanced experience for our passengers, and I’m looking forward to seeing the continued progress as we move toward completion in early 2026.”
Construction on the West Infill project began in April 2024, with completion anticipated in 2026. The project will add 75,000 sq ft of space across four levels of the terminal, increasing capacity at TSA Checkpoint 3 by adding space for six to eight additional security lanes and allowing more ticketing counters and kiosks. Prior to construction, TSA Checkpoint 3, originally a two-lane checkpoint, closed. Airport officials worked with TSA to add two lanes to Checkpoint 2 West, ensuring no loss of TSA screening capacity or equipment despite the checkpoint closure. This month, another lane was added, bringing the total to eight lanes at Checkpoint 2 West, dedicated to processing both Precheck and Clear passengers.
Steel installation marks a critical step in completing the structural framing of the West Infill. The project will also support the second phase of AUS’s new outbound baggage handling system, increasing processing capabilities and system reliability for all checked luggage to meet growing passenger demand. The next phase will involve enclosing the building and advancing the second phase of the outbound baggage handling system.
The West Infill project is partially funded by $15.9m from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Journey With AUS projects are funded through traditional airport improvement mechanisms – such as airport cash reserves, current and future revenues, revenue bond proceeds, and Federal Aviation Administration grants – rather than Austin taxpayer dollars.
Other milestones recently passed by the Journey With AUS programme include the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Midfield Taxiways project and Austin City Council’s approval of major procurements for the design and construction of the new Arrivals and Departures Hall, Concourse B and Tunnel projects.
