Is Austin, Texas A Big Airport?
Austin is known for its great music, eclectic culture, and a booming tech industry. But is its airport-Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, AUS-a "big airport"? Let's dive into what defines a big airport and how AUS measures up.
What is a "Big Airport"?
What constitutes a "big airport" is somewhat subjective, but good metrics include passenger volume, flight volume, terminal area, and amenities available. Classic examples of such airports would be Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), and Chicago (ORD), each serving tens of millions annually with sprawling terminals and huge networks of international flights.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Numbers
Passenger Traffic
AUS has grown very fast in recent years, with over 21 million passengers in 2022, up from around 11 million in 2015. That makes it among the fastest-growing airports in the U.S., though it still lags behind major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth International.
Terminal Size and Facilities
There are two separate terminals at AUS: Barbara Jordan Terminal and South Terminal; the former is a mainstream hub with 34 different gates and an adequate presentation of food and retail outlet options. The facilities within seem very modern and clean as well, but really AUS is hardly a fraction of other major airports throughout Texas like either DFW or George Bush Intercontinental in Houston area.
Flight Network
Austin-Bergstrom serves more than 70 nonstop domestic and international destinations. Some of the recent additions include direct flights to London, Frankfurt, and Cancun. Compared to the 200+ destinations offered by DFW, though, the network at AUS is relatively modest.
Is Austin's Airport Big Enough for Its Growth?
The boom of population and the economic boom of Austin has put greater demands on its airport. The city is now the hub of tech giants; millions come there every year for events such as South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. With all these reasons, AUS is undergoing growing pains-causing congestion and longer wait times.
But there are expansions underway: a $4 billion improvement plan, with added gates, expanded terminals, improved facilities, allowing AUS to serve its fast growth far better. And that should shoot AUS up into the higher tier status among US airports.
Distinctive Features of AUS
AUS distinguishes itself further with its own flair: free music performances and a robust diversity of local eateries. "On any given day, as often as not, there could very well be a live band playing together when you sit down and plan on enjoying your brisket taco or whatever it is-the hallmark Austin experience-from Salt Lick BBQ.".
But those very same features that make it an airport of character, rather than a "big" airport per se, are what allow AUS to maintain its local flavor-or its highly efficient operations.
AUS in Comparison to Major Texas Airports
Texas is home to several large airports, including:
DFW-Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport: A major global hub airport, the airport processed over 73 million passengers in 2022.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport: It serves over 33 million passengers yearly, offering multiple international routes.
It's much smaller in scale compared to the giants, but AUS outperforms them by being on top of its game when it comes to passenger experience and efficiency. Many travelers say AUS is much easier to navigate than others, and security lines tend to be considerably shorter.
How AUS Contributes to Austin's Growth
A strong airport is the backbone of building and expanding a city. In this case, it would mean that with its expansions, AUS will be well-set in supporting Austin's trajectory ahead into the future as a major U.S. city. It may not hold the size of other major airports in Texas today, but it can easily change with its ongoing, rapid growth and improvements.
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AUS: Big in Heart, if Not in Size
While Austin-Bergstrom International Airport may not, by all means, be considered a "big airport," its charm and efficiency, along with growth in recent times, make it one of the standouts. And with expansions continuing, AUS will no doubt be an even more significant part of the identity of Austin.
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