Austin council hears broad business support for airport airline use and lease agreements

Austin City Council on Aug. 28 heard a string of endorsements from business groups and airlines for proposed airline use and lease agreements for Austin Bergstrom International Airport, a set of contracts city staff say would support the airport expansion and unlock funding for capital improvements.

Supporters told council the agreements will provide the “certainty” airlines need to make long-term investments in Austin. "By approving the proposed agreements today, you are demonstrating the same confidence in Austin's continued growth and viability," Stacy Schmidt of Opportunity Austin said. Delta Airlines’ state and local government director, Katie Childers, told council the agreements "take an important step in enabling Austin Bergstrom International Airport to meet Central Texas' growing aviation demands." She said Delta is expanding service from Austin and will open a flight-attendant base in October.

Why it matters: City staff say the agreements are a key component of the AUS expansion program. Supporters described the contracts as unlocking private funding for terminals and operational changes that could reduce delays, shorten lines and expand nonstop destinations — benefits they said would bolster business recruitment, tourism and construction jobs.

What council heard: Speakers representing Opportunity Austin, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, airlines and local business coalitions emphasized economic benefits. Doug Driscoll of the Aviation Task Force said the agreements give airlines the long-term assurances needed to invest, and Travis Krogman of the Austin Chamber said stronger air connectivity helps companies recruit talent and host events. Britney Rodriguez of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber said the airport had engaged community groups and that the agreements would "unlock funding for future critical improvements and expansion in Austin."

Council process and next steps: The item appeared on the consent agenda and drew multiple public speakers in support. Staff characterized the agreements as part of the airport’s expansion and development program; the city clerk called the item for the consent vote during the meeting. Because the item was on consent, council members discussed other consent items before approving the full consent agenda.

What speakers did not say: Supporters urged approval of the agreements and tied them to expansion goals; there was no detailed cost breakdown, no airline-specific financial commitments in the public record during testimony, and no contract text excerpts were read into the public commentary cited here.

Ending note: Council adopted its consent agenda (which included the airport item) after public comment and brief council discussion; item-specific staff materials and contract drafts remain the authoritative source for final terms and implementation timelines.