Austin Airport Previews West Infill Project

The $75,000+ square-foot expansion will feature an 8-lane checkpoint and a 1.5-mile baggage conveyor system.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has released a behind-the-scenes look at its highly anticipated West Infill project, which is expected to be completed in spring 2026. The expansion will feature an 8-lane security checkpoint and a new outbound baggage handling system that will take passengers' luggage on a 1.5-mile journey on a conveyor belt processing 4,000 bags per hour.

Why it matters

The project is necessary to accommodate the growing number of passengers passing through AUS, which is expected to increase from the current 20+ million to 30 million annually. The new systems are designed to reduce wait times, streamline the screening process, and get passengers to their gates faster.

The details

The West Infill project will add over 75,000 square feet to the Barbara Jordan Terminal, including enough space for an 8-lane Checkpoint 3 to reduce wait times and make the screening process smoother. The main feature is the new outbound baggage handling system, which will take passengers' luggage on a 1.5-mile journey on a conveyor belt that can process 4,000 bags per hour, reducing delays and getting travelers to their destinations on time.

  • The project started in the fall of 2023.
  • The expansion is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026.

The players

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

The main airport serving the city of Austin, Texas, which has seen a significant increase in passenger traffic in recent years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The airport will continue to release a series of behind-the-scenes looks at the project each month until construction is complete.

The takeaway

The West Infill project at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a major investment to improve the airport's capacity and efficiency, with new security checkpoints and a state-of-the-art baggage handling system designed to accommodate the growing number of passengers passing through the airport each year.