Austin airport completes West Infill terminal expansion, adding new checkpoint opening Feb. 23, 2026

West Infill project delivered 75,000 square feet inside Barbara Jordan Terminal

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has marked the completion of its West Infill expansion, a four-level addition to the Barbara Jordan Terminal designed to increase passenger-processing capacity and modernize core building systems. Airport and city officials held a ribbon-cutting for the project on Feb. 6, 2026.

The West Infill adds more than 75,000 square feet and includes a new security checkpoint planned to open to travelers on Feb. 23, 2026. Airport officials have described the project as a near-term capacity measure intended to relieve pressure on screening and terminal circulation while larger, long-range redevelopment projects move through design and procurement.

Security and baggage systems are central to the expansion’s operational impact

The expansion’s most visible change for passengers is the new TSA checkpoint, designed for up to eight total screening lanes. The checkpoint is part of a broader effort to expand and reconfigure screening operations that were constrained during construction, including the earlier closure of a previously existing checkpoint area and interim adjustments to maintain screening throughput.

Beyond checkpoint capacity, the project also ties into outbound baggage operations. Airport officials report that a new outbound baggage handling system has been operational since December 2025, featuring a conveyor network of roughly 1.5 miles and a stated processing capacity of about 4,000 bags per hour. The system is intended to improve reliability for checked baggage screening and reduce operational disruptions that can contribute to delays.

• New TSA checkpoint space designed for up to eight lanes
• Outbound baggage handling upgrades reported operational since December 2025
• Additional ticket counters and airline support areas
• Independent HVAC, new elevators, and upgraded mechanical, electrical, and IT systems

Funding and project partners

The airport has put the West Infill expansion’s price at $241 million, describing the funding as coming from airport development sources such as airport revenues, future revenue bonds, federal grants, and $15.99 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. City and airport officials have stated that local taxpayer dollars were not used for the project.

Project partners identified by the airport include Whiting-Turner Contracting Company as prime contractor, Gensler as architect, and AECOM in a subject-matter expert role.

Airport officials have said current annual passenger volumes exceed 21 million, reaching levels previously projected for later years in long-range planning.

How West Infill fits into a larger airport buildout

West Infill is one component of the airport’s multi-project expansion program, which includes additional near-term construction and longer-term terminal redevelopment plans. Airport leaders have described a future centralized security checkpoint as part of a planned Arrivals and Departures Hall project; in that context, West Infill is positioned as an earlier-delivery project to add space and operational flexibility while broader work proceeds.

With the checkpoint opening scheduled for Feb. 23, 2026, travelers should see the most immediate changes in screening layouts and processing capacity as the new facility begins public operations.