Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: The Capital's Gateway to the World
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in American aviation history over the past two decades, evolving from a modest regional airport into a major international gateway serving one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. Built on the former Bergstrom Air Force Base — which closed in 1993 — AUS opened in 1999 and has been expanding almost continuously ever since to keep pace with Austin's explosive growth. The airport now processes over 20 million passengers annually, with projections pointing to even greater demand as Austin's population continues to surge.
Austin's transformation into a technology and corporate hub — with major campuses for Apple, Tesla, Oracle, Google, Meta, and dozens of other global companies — has created extraordinary business aviation demand. AUS offers nonstop service to over 100 destinations including major European and Latin American cities, and the airport's international terminal expansion has added capacity for the growing volume of international traffic that reflects Austin's new global status. The Barbara Jordan Terminal and new infrastructure investments have repositioned AUS from a regional facility into a genuine international airport.
Austin Executive Airport (EDC), located on the eastern edge of the metro area, provides a dedicated general aviation alternative for corporate and private pilots who need convenient access without navigating the increasingly busy commercial operations at AUS. The combination of Austin-Bergstrom International and Austin Executive Airport gives the capital city a two-airport system well-suited to its dual identity as both a major commercial hub and a thriving center of corporate and entrepreneurial aviation.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Texas Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Austin International Airport
Barbara Jordan International Airport
Austinbergstrom International Airport - Aus
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Austin, Texas.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Austin, Texas.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Austin, Texas.
Robert Mueller Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 3 Local Airport in Austin, Texas.
City Of Austin Airport
Lake Whitney State Park Airport
Bergstrom Air Force Airport - Bsm
Airports near Austin
Frequently Asked Questions: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Austin Aviation
What airlines and destinations are served from Austin-Bergstrom International?
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is served by virtually every major U.S. carrier including Southwest, American, United, Delta, Spirit, Frontier, and numerous others. Nonstop international service connects Austin to cities in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Latin America. AUS offers nonstop routes to over 100 destinations, with frequent service to DFW, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Denver, and other major hubs. Route availability continues to expand as Austin grows.
What general aviation airports serve Austin?
Austin Executive Airport (EDC) on the northeast side of the metro is the primary general aviation alternative to AUS, with FBO services, corporate hangars, and a more accessible environment for private aircraft. Georgetown Municipal Airport to the north and San Marcos Regional Airport to the south provide additional general aviation options for the Austin metro region. Executive jets and turboprops frequently use EDC to avoid the commercial traffic congestion at AUS.
How did Austin-Bergstrom airport come to be built on a former Air Force base?
Bergstrom Air Force Base was a Strategic Air Command installation that operated near Austin for decades during the Cold War era, hosting fighter and bomber aircraft. When the base was recommended for closure in the 1991 BRAC process and subsequently decommissioned in 1993, Austin seized the opportunity to convert the existing runway infrastructure into a civilian commercial airport. AUS opened on the Bergstrom site in 1999, replacing the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport which was itself converted into a mixed-use development.
How is Austin managing growing demand at AUS?
Austin-Bergstrom has been in a near-continuous state of expansion as the metro's population and corporate footprint have grown. Terminal expansions, gate additions, and new concourse construction have added capacity significantly since 2015. A new terminal development program is underway to accommodate the projected passenger volumes of the next decade. The airport has also improved ground transportation connections, adding direct access for rideshare services and expanding parking infrastructure to handle the millions of additional passengers forecast in coming years.