Key Takeaways
• Parsons leads program management for Austin-Bergstrom Airport expansion announced June 3, 2025.
• Journey With AUS is a $4 billion, five-to-seven-year project including new terminals and infrastructure upgrades.
• Over $400 million is reserved for small, local, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses in expansion.
Parsons Chosen to Lead Program Management for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Expansion
Parsons Corporation has been selected as one of seven lead consultants to provide program management for the major expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The City of Austin made this announcement on June 3, 2025, marking a big step forward for the airport’s future. This move is part of the “Journey With AUS” initiative, a five-to-seven-year plan to modernize and expand the airport to meet the needs of a fast-growing region.
The selection of Parsons, a company with over 60 years of experience in Texas, signals the city’s commitment to bringing in top talent for this ambitious project. The expansion is not just about bigger buildings—it’s about improving the entire travel experience, supporting economic growth, and making sure the airport can handle more passengers in the years ahead.
What Does the Parsons Program Management Contract Involve?
Parsons’ role in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expansion is wide-ranging. The company will provide:
- Program management: Overseeing the entire expansion to keep everything on track and within budget.
- Project management: Handling specific projects, making sure each one meets its goals and deadlines.
- Construction management: Supervising the building process, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency.
This support is designed to help the City of Austin’s Department of Aviation deliver both the Rolling Capital Improvement Program and the Journey With AUS expansion smoothly and on time. The contract is expected to last between five and seven years, covering the full length of the airport’s major upgrade.
Sean Tenney, Parsons’ Texas regional manager, said, “We have served as a trusted partner in Texas for over 60 years and are honored to continue supporting Austin’s growth and development.” He stressed the team’s dedication to delivering top program management services to help modernize AUS and boost economic growth in the region.
Journey With AUS: What’s Included in the Expansion?
The Journey With AUS program is a once-in-a-generation effort to transform Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The plan includes:
- Expanding the Barbara Jordan Terminal: Adding more space for passengers and flights.
- Building new facilities: Constructing new terminals, parking garages, and support buildings.
- Improving infrastructure: Upgrading utilities like electricity, water, and storm drainage.
- Enhancing parking and ground transportation: Making it easier for travelers to get to and from the airport.
- Focusing on sustainability: Using green building methods and energy-saving technology.
- Upgrading technology: Adding new systems for baggage, security, and passenger services.
- Encouraging commercial development: Creating more shops, restaurants, and business opportunities inside the airport.
The main goals are to increase the airport’s capacity, improve how it operates, and give travelers a better experience that reflects the unique spirit of Austin and Central Texas.
Why Is This Expansion Needed?
Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States 🇺🇸. More people are moving to the area, and more visitors are coming for business, music, and technology events. The airport has seen a big jump in passenger numbers, and the current facilities are struggling to keep up.
Without expansion, the airport could face:
- Longer wait times for check-in and security
- Overcrowded terminals and gates
- Delays in baggage handling
- Limited options for airlines and routes
By expanding now, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport can avoid these problems and continue to support the city’s growth.
How Much Will the Expansion Cost?
The total budget for the airport expansion is about $4 billion. Of this, more than $400 million is set aside for small, local, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. This focus on local participation is meant to spread the economic benefits of the project throughout the Austin community.
Parsons Corporation, the lead program management consultant, has a market value of $6.77 billion. While the company’s share price has dropped by 33% over the past six months, financial experts say Parsons is still in good shape, with strong revenue growth of 16.61% over the last year.
Who Else Is Involved in the Expansion?
Parsons is just one part of a much larger team working on the airport’s future. Other prime contractors include:
- Austin Commercial LP
- Austin Bridge and Road
- Hensel Phelps Construction
- Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.
- J.E. Dunn Construction
- Sundt Construction Co. / Archer Western
These companies have been chosen to handle different parts of the expansion. They are now looking for subcontractors—smaller companies that can help with specific jobs over the next five years.
Opportunities for Local Businesses and Subcontractors
In April 2025, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport held a workshop to connect local construction companies and subcontractors with the main contractors. This event gave smaller businesses a chance to learn about the bidding process and how they could get involved in the expansion.
Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of ABIA, said, “The Journey With AUS expansion is essential to meet the growing demand from travelers in our region. This event marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to collaboration, bringing our project partners together to forge strong connections with the contractor community.”
This focus on local participation means that the expansion is not just about new buildings—it’s also about creating jobs and business opportunities for people in the Austin area.
What Specific Projects Are Part of the Expansion?
Several major projects are already underway or planned as part of the airport’s growth:
- Campus-wide utility integration: A $120 million project to upgrade essential systems like electricity, IT, storm drainage, water quality, and deicing.
- New terminal: Plans for up to 30 new gates, allowing more flights and airlines.
- New parking garage: More spaces for travelers and staff.
- Tunnel connecting terminals: Making it easier for passengers to move between the old and new terminals.
- Redesigned taxiways and baggage systems: Improving how planes move on the ground and how bags are handled.
- New arrivals and departures hall: Creating a better first impression for visitors and a smoother process for everyone.
These projects are designed to work together, making the airport more efficient, comfortable, and ready for the future.
Parsons’ Experience and Why It Matters
Parsons brings a lot of experience to the table. The company has:
- Worked in Texas for over 60 years
- Managed projects at more than 450 airports in 40 countries
- Deep knowledge of international standards, including those set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Expertise in planning, designing, building, and maintaining airport terminals, runways, and support systems
This background means Parsons understands both the technical and practical challenges of airport expansion. Their program management skills will help keep the Austin project on schedule and within budget.
Historical Background: Previous Expansion Efforts
The current expansion builds on earlier efforts to improve the airport. In 2022, there was a debate about the South Terminal, which was run by Lonestar Airport Holdings and used by low-cost airlines like Allegiant and Frontier.
Lonestar Airport Holdings suggested a $140 million plan to move the South Terminal farther south and add up to 10 gates within two years. However, airport officials did not accept this idea because the land was already set aside for employee parking, a catering kitchen, and other support buildings needed for the larger expansion.
This history shows that the city has been thinking about the airport’s future for years, and the current plan is the result of careful planning and tough decisions.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
For travelers, the expansion will bring:
- Shorter wait times: More check-in counters, security lanes, and baggage systems.
- More flights and destinations: New gates mean more airlines can operate at AUS.
- Better amenities: More shops, restaurants, and comfortable waiting areas.
- Easier access: Improved parking and transportation options.
- A local feel: Design elements that reflect Austin’s culture and music scene.
The goal is to make Austin-Bergstrom International Airport a gateway that welcomes visitors and makes travel easier for everyone.
Implications for Immigrants, Workers, and the Local Community
The airport expansion will have a big impact on many groups:
- Immigrants and international travelers: More flights and better facilities will make it easier for people to visit family, do business, or move to Austin from other countries.
- Workers: The project will create thousands of construction jobs and long-term positions in airport operations, security, retail, and maintenance.
- Local businesses: With over $400 million set aside for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses, there are real opportunities for local companies to grow.
- The Austin community: A bigger, better airport supports tourism, business, and the city’s reputation as a tech and cultural hub.
Timeline and What’s Next
The expansion is expected to be finished by 2030. Work will happen in phases, so travelers will see new features and improvements over the next several years.
With Parsons now leading program management, the city expects the project to move forward smoothly. The company’s experience with large, complex projects should help avoid delays and cost overruns.
How to Get Involved or Learn More
If you’re a business owner interested in working on the airport expansion, you can find information about current opportunities and requirements on the City of Austin Aviation Department’s official website.
For travelers and residents who want to stay updated, the airport regularly posts news about construction progress, new amenities, and changes to parking or transportation.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expansion is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region’s history. It’s expected to boost the local economy, create jobs, and make Austin an even more attractive place to live and visit.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Parsons has been chosen as a lead consultant for program management in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expansion.
- The Journey With AUS program is a five-to-seven-year, $4 billion effort to modernize and grow the airport.
- The expansion includes new terminals, parking, technology, and sustainability features.
- Over $400 million is set aside for small, local, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses.
- The project will create jobs, improve travel, and support Austin’s growth.
- The expansion is expected to be completed by 2030.
If you’re planning to travel through Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, expect to see big changes in the coming years. For businesses and workers, now is the time to look for opportunities to get involved in this major project. And for the city of Austin, the expansion is a sign of continued growth and a bright future ahead.
Learn Today
Program Management → Coordinating and overseeing all aspects of a large project to ensure goals and budgets are met.
Journey With AUS → The five-to-seven-year expansion program focused on modernizing Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Construction Management → Supervising construction work to maintain safety, quality, and project timelines.
Minority-Owned Business → A company owned by individuals from racial or ethnic minority groups.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → The U.S. government agency that regulates civil aviation and airport standards.
This Article in a Nutshell
Parsons Corporation leads the $4 billion Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expansion, enhancing terminals, infrastructure, and sustainability over seven years, boosting jobs and travel experience while supporting local businesses and Austin’s growth through the Journey With AUS program, set for completion by 2030 with broad community impact.
— By VisaVerge.com
