AUSTIN | ABIA Updates

[Tyrone Shoes]

As reported at
https://x.com/IshrionA/status/1953871787923578933?t=tTqcGfVkNsCGP9aCBtqhrA&s=19

[LoneStarMike]

Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoes

If you read the comments on that thread, the increases are only going to be for December and January (for now)

alxrivxv

Aug 8
Only for these months or are they upgrading for year-round?

Ishrion Aviation

Aug 8
Only these months right now

[LoneStarMike]

June 2025 Passenger, Cargo Traffic at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Total passenger traffic for June 2025 was 2,014,198, up 0.06% compared to June 2024.

June 2025 air cargo totaled 21,734,511 lbs., down 14.27% compared to June 2024.

International air cargo for June 2025 totaled 2,293,046 lbs., up 7.27% compared to June 2024.

Total passenger traffic for January – June 2025 was 10,328,885, down 4.55% compared to January – June 2024.

January – June 2025 air cargo totaled 134,363,585 lbs., down 10.82% compared to January – June 2024.

International air cargo for June 2025 totaled 15,317,665 lbs., up 9.97%compared to June 2024.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Aviation Activity Report Calendar Year 2025 vs 2024 Combined Terminals

Total international passenger traffic for June 2025 was 125,140, down 0.73% compared to June 2024.

Total international passenger traffic for January – June 2025 was 506,604, down 4.69% compared to January – June 2024.

For the third month in a row Delta was the number 2 carrier. Y-T-D American was still the number 2 carrier but only by 1,395 passengers.

[SproutingTowers]

Sounds like may need to go ahead and fully build out Concourse B to accommodate Delta's future plans where SWA may be shifting focus from SAT to AUS.

Southwest Airlines hopes to dominate Austin's new, bigger airport

"Southwest is eager to be the anchor tenant of the new Concourse B, with up to 18 leased gates upon execution of the new agreement." - Austin Business Journal

[GoldenBoot]

Originally Posted by SproutingTowers

Sounds like may need to go ahead and fully build out Concourse B to accommodate Delta's future plans where SWA may be shifting focus from SAT to AUS.

Southwest Airlines hopes to dominate Austin's new, bigger airport

"Southwest is eager to be the anchor tenant of the new Concourse B, with up to 18 leased gates upon execution of the new agreement." - Austin Business Journal

Yes. I would not be surprised if Concourse B opens with at least 30 gates after this announcement. With 18 gates, SWA gate allotment will increase by 80%.

This is also in-line with the plans we have seen - where Delta is planning on opening one of the largest SkyClubs in the world above the tunnel entrance connected to the BJT. And, if Delta has plans to "hub" Austin, it would make sense for their passengers not to have to walk too far to their gates. I'm guessing Delta will eventually claim most, if not all, of Southwest's gates in the BJT. If I am not mistaken, that would give Delta 15-17 gates in the new configuration.

[LoneStarMike]

Originally Posted by SproutingTowers

Southwest Airlines hopes to dominate Austin's new, bigger airport

"Southwest is eager to be the anchor tenant of the new Concourse B, with up to 18 leased gates upon execution of the new agreement." - Austin Business Journal

Archived link (no paywall) to the ABJ article

[gillynova]

Might as well build it fully rather than wait. It should be cheaper to build now rather than in the next decade too

[ILUVSAT]

Originally Posted by gillynova

Might as well build it fully rather than wait. It should be cheaper to build now rather than in the next decade too

I agree...especially when the city is getting the airlines to chip-in some of the cost.



If they open Concourse B with 30 gates, simple math says the airport will have roughly a 35 million PAX capacity by 2030. WOW! That would squarely put AUS in the Top 10 busiest airports in the US. It would rank #6 in 2024 numbers.

[Tyrone Shoes]

Originally Posted by gillynova

Might as well build it fully rather than wait. It should be cheaper to build now rather than in the next decade too

I don't think it's that simple. It's been a long time since I worked for the airport and most of this has been forgotten. With that said..Airport construction is paid for by a number of sources. FAA grants, airport-generated revenue (like rental fees charged terminal tenants, leases charged to off terminal parking, Concession revenue, landing fees, fees from fuel sales etc..), and user fees. These fees are tacked on to each outbound ticket and are agreed upon by the signatory airlines.


I'm sure I got something wrong and if I remember there were some DOA/COA types who lurk this forum who will gladly correct any mis-statement I made.

[Mikey711MN]

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

Yes. I would not be surprised if Concourse B opens with at least 30 gates after this announcement. With 18 gates, SWA gate allotment will increase by 80%.

I was personally very surprised to hear this from SWA, and it makes plain that they will move to the new concourse entirely.

If I'm either SWA or DL, I want move to expand in the medium- to long-term also, which has me wondering if we won't see something like SWA's 18 gates extending west from the tunnel while DL's gates (if any) extend east.

For example, the rendering below shows 4 gates east (i.e., to the right) of the tunnel.


Perhaps more would be built in that direction, but I have my doubts that they'd be for any existing or new entrants.

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

This is also in-line with the plans we have seen - where Delta is planning on opening one of the largest SkyClubs in the world above the tunnel entrance connected to the BJT. And, if Delta has plans to "hub" Austin, it would make sense for their passengers not to have to walk too far to their gates.

This setup looks very similar to other Delta One lounges and could function similarly by offering direct-to-gate access for flights to business centers.

Assuming current Gates 18-20 get knocked out with the entrance to the Concourse B tunnel, I think some sort of footprint where the lounge could serve an area approximately where 16-17 & 21-22 currently reside. Not sure how many gates could fit in that area though.

On a side note, I generally agree with the View from the Wing analysis, specifically the implied conclusion that DL will operate two lounges.

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

I'm guessing Delta will eventually claim most, if not all, of Southwest's gates in the BJT. If I am not mistaken, that would give Delta 15-17 gates in the new configuration.

That makes a lot of sense to me. Still unclear on Gate 13's long-term function is, and I imagine the Airport wants to make any new international flights available in the existing east-side of BJT.

[ILUVSAT]

I think GB is correct - Delta will remain and expand in the BJT.

Also, there is no point in having two DL lounges (one ~9k SF and the new one at over 30k SF) unless they are going to HUB Austin. If they do make a play for AUS, then I could possibly see a Delta One lounge where their current lounge resides and then a normal SkyClub at the new, larger location.

With regard to the new concourse, if they expand beyond 20 gates at the opening, they will have to do so east.

[Mikey711MN]

Originally Posted by ILUVSAT

I think GB is correct - Delta will remain and expand in the BJT.

Also, there is no point in having two DL lounges (one ~9k SF and the new one at over 30k SF) unless they are going to HUB Austin. If they do make a play for AUS, then I could possibly see a Delta One lounge where their current lounge resides and then a normal SkyClub at the new, larger location.

I generally agree with you here. Any DL operation of something like 17 gates (much less any more in an Eastward extension of Concourse B) would function as a small hub.

To your point, having a centrally located lounge is much more ideal than the current location, which I've always thought might work better for an AmEx or similar given the proximity to international gates.

Interesting times! We should find out soon!

[ILUVSAT]

I believe last word said that a financial institution is going to put a lounge above the new TSA check on the west side of the BJT.

At that time, it was not clear as to what may happen to the current SkyClub.

I do like the idea of a Delta One club. I also love the idea of an AmEx Centurion Lounge.

[davidtexan]

[chinchaaa]

Originally Posted by ILUVSAT

I believe last word said that a financial institution is going to put a lounge above the new TSA check on the west side of the BJT.

At that time, it was not clear as to what may happen to the current SkyClub.

I do like the idea of a Delta One club. I also love the idea of an AmEx Centurion Lounge.

omg please be a capital one lounge

[LoneStarMike]

FAA denies request to increase safety restrictions in skies above Austin's airport

The Federal Aviation Administration is rejecting a request to upgrade Austin's airspace to the same level surrounding the nation's busiest airports.

Class B airspace — one notch above Austin's Class C airspace — is highly regulated to reduce the risk of midair collisions. Pilots must follow stricter rules, and air traffic controllers have greater authority.

A reclassification to Class B would also have triggered an automatic 15% pay hike for air traffic controllers in the short-staffed control tower at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The tower is operating with fewer than half the 60 controllers recommended in a staffing target set by the FAA and the controllers' union, forcing a bigger workload and mandatory overtime.

More in the article.

[chinchaaa]

Originally Posted by LoneStarMike

FAA denies request to increase safety restrictions in skies above Austin's airport



More in the article.

very cool. we'll see how they feel when people start dying.

[ATX2030]

DL continues to grow AUS. With these adds looks like Gate 13 hardstand op's will begin S26.

https://news.delta.com/austin-meet-your-new-nonstops-denver-columbus-kansas-city-plus-more

Delta is deepening its commitment to Central Texas with the launch of three new nonstop routes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), connecting travelers to Denver (DEN), Columbus (CMH) and Kansas City (MCI). In addition, Delta is increasing service on two existing routes, San Francisco (SFO) and Indianapolis (IND), providing even more options for customers traveling to and from Austin.

“With these new routes and expanded service, Delta is building on a strong foundation in Austin and creating more ways for our customers to get where they want to go,” said Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning. “It’s another step in delivering the network, convenience and premium experience that sets Delta apart as Austin’s leading global carrier.”

"This is another exciting investment in our community from Delta,” said Ghizlane Badawi, AUS CEO. “We are so grateful for their partnership and shared mission of connecting Austin and Central Texas travelers to more nonstop destinations. We look forward to the continued collaboration with the airline, especially as we make progress on expanding and improving our airport.”

These new and expanded routes give travelers convenient access to key business and leisure markets. With them, Delta now serves nearly 30 destinations from AUS, furthering its strategic growth in a city celebrated for its vibrant culture and booming tech scene.

New nonstop service from Austin:

Denver (DEN) – Launching Nov. 9, 2025, this gateway to the Rockies serves as a major hub for business and outdoor adventure. Service will operate twice daily through Delta Connection partner SkyWest.

Columbus (CMH) – Beginning June 7, 2026, this rising tech, manufacturing, and education center in the Midwest will be connected with once daily service through Delta Connection partner SkyWest.

Kansas City (MCI) – Starting June 7, 2026, travelers can enjoy twice-daily service to this city known for its rich culture, barbecue, and growing innovation economy, operating twice daily through Delta Connection partner SkyWest.

Each of these new nonstop flights will be operated on an Embraer 175 aircraft, equipped with Delta First, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. The Embraer 175 allows a quieter, more comfortable ride for customers with modern interiors, larger windows and more personal space.

Expanded service:

San Francisco (SFO) – Beginning April 13, 2026, Delta will increase service from one to two daily frequencies, supporting growing demand between these two major tech hubs. This service will be operated on Delta’s Airbus A319 aircraft, equipped with Delta First, Delta Comfort and Delta Main.

Indianapolis (IND) – Starting June 7, 2026, service will expand from one to three daily flights, connecting business and leisure travelers across the Midwest.

Investing in Austin’s growth

Delta has already carried more than one million passengers to and from Austin this year—a 12% increase year over year. That momentum continues with new and expanded service, including domestic flights to Palm Springs (PSP) launching in November, and service to Cancun (CUN) and Cabo San Lucas (SJD) launching in December. These additions keep customers moving and reinforce Delta’s commitment to connecting Austin with more of the destinations they love.

Customers in Austin also enjoy one of the most popular Delta Sky Clubs in the global network, known for its Texas-inspired design and premium tequila- and mezcal-focused beverage menu. For the last three years, it has ranked highest in customer satisfaction for the Southern region.

This October, Delta will also open a permanent flight attendant base in Austin, further strengthening its operational presence and long-term commitment to Central Texas.

“This is fantastic news for the Lone Star State! Delta’s decision to open a flight attendant base and continue its expansion in Austin will open more travel choices for Texans, bring hundreds of good-paying jobs, boost local businesses, and further cement Texas as a national leader in economic growth and innovation,” said Texas Senator Ted Cruz. “I am excited to see the opportunities this brings to our great state.”

[GoldenBoot]

Initially, DL will base 125 attendants in Austin. And, it's exciting to see DL actually saying they want to bring more connectivity to their operations at AUS. A step toward a hub.

Also, DL is eyeing another "international" destination out of AUS soon.

[ATX2030]

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

Initially, DL will base 125 attendants in Austin. And, it's exciting to see DL actually saying they want to bring more connectivity to their operations at AUS. A step toward a hub.

Also, DL is eyeing another "international" destination out of AUS soon.

Any hints? Sun destination or possibly long-haul?