New Outbound Baggage Handling System Activated Ahead of Schedule at Austin Bergstrom Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is excited to celebrate the completion of the new Outbound Baggage Handling System (BHS), a major upgrade to baggage processing as part of the Journey With AUS Expansion Program. This high-tech system processes 4,000 bags per hour, significantly enhancing reliability and helping reduce flight delays—so passengers can get where they’re going on time.

“The new Outbound Baggage Handling System supports our broader goals of economic development and sustainability, plus it grows our airport in a smart way. As we welcome more visitors, businesses, and new residents, AUS plays a vital role in connecting Austin to the world,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.

“This Journey With AUS project reflects our commitment to our passengers. From the skilled trades building this system to the airport staff who will operate it, this project supports hundreds of jobs right here in Austin, while helping us meet the needs of a growing city,” said Mayor Pro Tempore, Vanessa Fuentes.

The new BHS upgrade will improve AUS’s outbound luggage process, that moves checked luggage from the check-in counter, through security screening and to the aircraft. The BHS is an interconnected network of moving parts including conveyor belts and equipment, most of which require upgrades to meet modern, industry standards. This project broke ground in winter 2022 and was originally set for completion in Spring 2026. AUS is excited to announce that, in partnership with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and Gensler architects, the project has been completed early. The improved system is intended to meet the future demand of 37 million annual passengers.

Key features of this project include:

• Upgraded technology and equipment
• Increase system reliability
• Decrease in potential flight delays from AUS
• Meets growing outbound passenger demand

Under the new system, which can process more than twice the number of bags as the previous system, bags travel on 1.5 miles of new conveyor belts that take them from the airline ticket counters to the Baggage Makeup Area, where they are loaded onto aircraft by airline teams.

“This project is a testament to the power of partnership between the Airport, TSA, our airline partners, and our consultants, designers, and construction teams. Together, we’re building a bigger, better AUS for the people of Austin and Central Texas by strengthening the backbone of our airport so it can better serve our community and passengers for decades to come,” said AUS Chief Executive Officer, Ghizlane Badawi.

The project cost approximately $241.5 million. Funding for this project comes from traditional airport development funding sources such as airport cash reserves, current and future airport revenues, future revenue bond proceeds and Federal Aviation Administration grants.

Project partners include:

• Prime Contractor: Whiting-Turner
• Architect: Gensler
• Subject Matter Expert: AECOM
• Equipment Manufacturer: Siemens
• Conceptual Designer: VTC
• Structural Designer: Structures
• MEP Engineer: Graef

The new Outbound Baggage Handling System is one of many initiatives in the Journey With AUS program, a strategic investment plan to modernize and expand Austin’s airport infrastructure while meeting the growth and demands of the Central Texas region.

For more information about the Journey With AUS Expansion Program and upcoming improvements, visit Austintexas.gov/AUSJourney.