Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has completed a new Outbound Baggage Handling System (BHS), a major upgrade to baggage processing as part of the Journey With AUS Expansion Program. This high-tech system processes 4,000 bags per hour, significantly enhancing reliability and helping reduce flight delays.
“This project is a testament to the power of partnership between the Airport, TSA, our airline partners, and our consultants, designers, and construction teams,” said Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. “Together, we’re building a bigger, better AUS for the people of Austin and Central Texas by strengthening the backbone of our airport so it can better serve our community and passengers for decades to come.”
The new BHS upgrade will improve AUS’ outbound luggage process, which moves checked luggage from the check-in counter, through security screening and to the aircraft. The BHS is an interconnected network of moving parts including conveyor belts and equipment, most of which require upgrades to meet modern, industry standards. This project broke ground in winter 2022 and was originally set for completion in spring 2026.
Under the new system, which can process more than twice the number of bags as the previous system, bags travel on 1.5 miles of new conveyor belts that take them from the airline ticket counters to the Baggage Makeup Area, where they are loaded onto aircraft by airline teams.
The new Outbound Baggage Handling System is one of many initiatives in the Journey With AUS program, a strategic investment plan to modernise and expand Austin’s airport infrastructure while meeting the growth demands of the Central Texas region.
