Asheville Regional, Austin-Bergstrom and Houston’s Hobby Airports Start Expansion Projects

After declining when interest rates rose early in 2023, the volume of municipal bonds issued for airport improvements is beginning to rebound as cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and other smaller airports respond to record air passenger traffic by financing renovation plans. “Airports are feeling confident because travel is back in a big way,” said C. Courtney Knight, Atlanta’s treasurer.

Asheville Regional Airport in western North Carolina has begun a $400 million expansion project that will replace the existing terminal and add five gates. “Everything that you see when you come to this airport today will be completely gone and replaced when this project is complete,” said Tina Kinsey, vice president of marketing and public relations.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has begun work on a $164 million terminal expansion project that will add three new gates. The construction, to be completed in 2026, is part of a multi-year expansion program at the airport serving Texas’ capital.

Houston’s Hobby Airport is planning a $470 million expansion that will add seven gates to its West Concourse. The renovations, which will take about two years, also include an expanded baggage claim area.