Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has completed a significant phase of its Journey With AUS expansion program, finalizing the International Arrivals Improvements project. The initiative expanded the airport’s square footage by 20,600 square feet through a reconfiguration of available space on the Arrivals Level of the Barbara Jordan Terminal.
One of the main changes involved redesigning baggage claim carousels for international arrivals. The removal of a baggage carousel in the Customs and Border Protection area has created more room for travelers returning from abroad to queue, which is expected to improve passenger flow and reduce wait times.
The project also introduced Baggage Carousel 8, dedicated specifically to international travelers and capable of handling oversized luggage. This new carousel is located after Customs and Border Protection processing. “It’s a whole new process,” said Kareem Huwaidi, Project Coordinator at AUS. Previously, passengers collected their baggage before proceeding through customs.
Additionally, Baggage Carousels 6 and 7 have been modified to convert between international and domestic use depending on flight schedules. “All three [Baggage Claims 6-8] on a Saturday could be used as international,” said Rohini Kumarage, Airport Development Officer at AUS.
Baggage Claim 6 was upgraded to a full-size carousel to accommodate increased passenger numbers. The area recently gained attention online when Armie the Armadillo stuffed plushies were featured riding the carousel.
The improvements began in August 2024 with objectives that included maximizing space flexibility within the existing terminal footprint, enhancing passenger movement, and improving processing efficiency. These upgrades allow AUS to handle multiple international flights arriving at once and provide greater operational flexibility. “The passengers are our number one priority, not just for this project, but for all projects,” Kumarage said.
At a ribbon-cutting event on June 18, AUS Chief Executive Officer Ghizlane Badawi stated that future plans include converting Baggage Claims 1-8 into International Arrivals areas as part of an upcoming Arrivals and Departures Hall under the Journey With AUS program.
Travelers arriving from international destinations will now experience a brighter and more spacious International Arrivals area due to these recent changes.
For additional details about this milestone and other expansion projects at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, visit https://www.austintexas.gov/news/international-arrivals-improvements-have-arrived-aus.
