AUSTIN, Texas — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) celebrated the groundbreaking of the Utilities Infrastructure Campus-Wide (UICW) project on October 19, 2026, marking the beginning of the next major phase of the Journey With AUS expansion program. The UICW project is a critical investment that will upgrade and expand the airport’s utility systems to support long-term growth and strengthen infrastructure across the entire airport property.
As AUS continues to grow through transformative projects such as the New Central Utility Plant, the New Arrivals & Departures Hall, and Concourse B & Tunnel, the UICW project ensures that the airport’s foundational infrastructure can meet the increased passenger and airline activity created by these improvements.
The project includes new aircraft‑rated stormwater and water quality trunk lines and ponds in the southwestern area of the airport. It also includes new redundant medium-voltage power systems and telecommunications duct banks, which are enhancements designed to significantly increase system reliability and operational capacity. Additional improvements span storm drainage, electrical distribution, hydronic piping, detention and water quality ponds, and upgraded duct banks for information technology needs.
“The investments we’re making in our airport today will serve not only the tens of millions of travelers already using AUS each year, but a new era of 30 to 35 million annual passengers once expansion has completed”, said Kirk Watson, Mayor of Austin. “The airport teams are laying the groundwork on all the critical behind-the-scenes complexities that in turn fuel our region’s quality of life and economic vitality. This is a great milestone for the airport and our work to modernize and transform Austin-Bergstrom into a premier large-hub airport.”
“This project represents a critical investment in the infrastructure needed to support Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s growth for generations to come,” said Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. “While much of this work will take place behind the scenes, it is essential to strengthening our airport’s operational resilience, reliability, and long-term sustainability. By expanding and modernizing critical utility systems and investing in the infrastructure necessary to support future development, we are laying a strong foundation for our Journey With AUS expansion program and ensuring our airport is equipped to meet the evolving needs of our growing Central Texas community for decades to come.”
Design work began in 2024, with construction starting in fall 2026. The project is expected to be completed in 2029.
Funding comes from traditional airport development sources, including airport cash reserves, current and future airport revenues, future revenue bonds, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, including approximately $10.1 million from the Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program and $6.1 million from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
Project partners include:
• Prime Contractor: Sundt Archer Western
• Designer: HDR
The UICW project is a cornerstone of the Journey With AUS program, the airport’s long-term initiative to expand and modernize critical infrastructure and meet the growing demand of the Central Texas region.
Passengers can learn more about the Journey With AUS program and upcoming improvements by visiting our website at https://www.flyaustin.com/expansion-development-program.
