Austin Airport Closes South Terminal for Expansion

The intimate, retro-style terminal will be replaced by a new temporary concourse as part of the airport's major growth plans.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:48pm

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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is closing its South Terminal on Tuesday as part of its 'Journey With AUS' expansion project. All Allegiant and Frontier flights will now move to the main Barbara Jordan Terminal. The South Terminal, known for its unique amenities like an outdoor patio, is being taken down to allow for the development of new Midfield Taxiways that will improve plane movement and reduce runway congestion.

Why it matters

The closure of the South Terminal represents an important step in Austin's airport expansion plans to accommodate the city's rapid growth and increased air travel demand. While the South Terminal offered a more intimate, retro-style experience, the airport believes consolidating all operations under one roof will create a more streamlined passenger experience.

The details

The South Terminal first opened in 2017 and has since served millions of passengers. Its closure is part of the airport's larger 'Journey With AUS' expansion, which includes building a temporary six-gate Concourse M and a future 26-gate Concourse B. The airport says the changes will improve plane movement and reduce runway congestion.

  • The South Terminal will close on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The first flight flew out of the South Terminal on April 13, 2017.
  • The City of Austin first announced plans to shutter the South Terminal just four years after its opening in 2021.

The players

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

The primary commercial airport serving the city of Austin, Texas.

Ghizlane Badawi

The Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Lonestar Airport Holdings LLC

The previous property owner that had signed a 30-year lease agreement to operate the South Terminal, and later sued the City of Austin when it sought to take over the terminal through eminent domain proceedings.

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What they’re saying

“If you're a customer, you're flying out, and you show up here tomorrow, this door will be closed, the facility will be dark, you won't be able to get in. You will have to make your way to the main Barbara Jordan Terminal.”

— Sam Haynes, Airport Deputy Chief

“It was easy, breezy, had a cute little taco truck. There was cornhole one time I came here. You could drink a beer, play cornhole, and wait for your flight.”

— Starr Platt

“As we continue to plan for the future of air travel in Austin, this transition represents an important step forward. The South Terminal has played a meaningful role in our airport's growth, and we are grateful for the passengers, partners, and team members who have been part of its success.”

— Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

What’s next

The airport will build a temporary six-gate terminal called Concourse M in place of the South Terminal, and a future 26-gate Concourse B is scheduled for completion in the early 2030s.

The takeaway

The closure of the South Terminal marks a significant milestone in Austin's airport expansion plans, as the city prepares its infrastructure to accommodate growing air travel demand. While the South Terminal offered a unique passenger experience, the airport believes consolidating operations will create a more streamlined journey for travelers.