AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is making plans for more growth – and it wants to make sure residents who live near the airport are in the know.
AUS is hosting a free open house-style community event from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Southeast Branch Library, located at 5803 Nuckols Crossing. Attendees will be able to learn about current and future plans to expand the airport.
"To start 2023 with a community event where we can connect with neighbors and travelers to talk about what is on the horizon for our record-breaking busy airport is very exciting," said Jacqueline Yaft, chief executive officer for AUS, adding, "We look forward to the first of many opportunities to connect with our neighbors in person to listen to their questions and comments as well as to share more information about what they can expect to see at AUS over the next several years."
AUS has been experiencing record-breaking passenger traffic month after month. Officials say the airport needs to add more jet fuel tanks to keep up with growth, but some neighbors of the airport have raised environmental concerns about those plans.
City of Austin leaders are also trying to use eminent domain to take over the airport's South Terminal from a private company so that it can be torn down to make way for more runways. The company that currently runs the South Terminal, LoneStar Airport Holdings, is trying to fight those plans in court.
AUS said Thursday's event will feature different stations with display boards and project leaders for various improvement projects underway, including the new airplane fuel facility. AUS staff will also be present to answer questions about the airport and to discuss career opportunities.
"This is an opportunity for community members to learn about the Austin airport, how planes fly in and out and also how planning and development happens in order to adapt to an ever-changing environment and meet the needs of a growing Austin and Central Texas," AUS said in a press release.
The event will also feature live music from Dave Madden, a regular performer at AUS, and free food from Salvation Pizza, as well as sweets from the airport's Shop. Savor. Groove concession program.
Boomtown is KVUE's series covering the explosive growth in Central Texas. For more Boomtown stories, head to KVUE.com/Boomtown.