Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) capped off another banner year with passenger and cargo numbers soaring to new heights, according to an announcement released by the city of Austin. The hub serviced over 22 million travelers in 2023, up by over a million from the previous year. December alone saw AUS break its own record for the month with an overflowing traveler tally of 1,802,593, flexing a robust 4.9% increase compared to the same period in 2022, while July maintained its reputation as the busiest month with a headcount of 2,040,981 souls coming and going, as per the City of Austin.
As Austin's popularity and central Texas populations continue to grow, the airport isn't just a bystander but an active participant in the upturn, broadening its wings with new nonstop flights, highlighted by connections to Panama City via Copa Airlines, other destinations including Omaha, Montrose and the return of service to Vancouver and Calgary; add to this, come March, Viva Aerobus kicks off nonstop flights to Monterrey, Mexico. AUS also busied itself with developments, transforming the space with newfound convenience, like spanking-new restrooms, and embarking on groundwork for taxiways and terminal expansions, while security got a tech upgrade making it possible for travelers to keep their electronics packed during TSA screening.
The soaring traffic wasn't the only thing flying high—so too were the sales of BBQ and tacos with a staggering 99,239 pounds of brisket and the selling of over a million tacos speaking to taste, alongside 8,232 "Keep Austin Weird" shirts flying off the racks. Meanwhile, 24 artists found a stage at AUS, their work showcased in changing exhibits, and in true Austin style, this airport proved itself worthy of its "Live Music Capital of the World" claim with an impressive lineup of 1,470 live performances across its 8 stages, notching a notable highlight in the hosting of boygenius during South by Southwest, according to the City of Austin.
Accessibility also flew up the airport's priority list, with the integration of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program, garnering over 500 requests, a discreet but significant nod to passengers with non-visible disabilities who crave extra patience and assistance. Environmentally, the airport wasn't idle either, releasing a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report and bagging a cool $400,000 Government Alternative Fuel Fleet Program grant to juice up their carbon-neutral transport fleet.
