Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Marks Airport Workers Day with City Proclamation

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) joined airports across North America on June 25, 2026, in celebrating Airport Workers Day, honoring the more than 1.4 million airport workers who support aviation across the continent. The celebration recognized the over 8,000 employees, tenants, contractors, airline partners, government agencies, and service providers who help keep AUS operating every day.
 
As part of the celebration, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed June 25 as Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Workers Day, recognizing the critical role airport workers play in supporting the traveling public, driving economic growth, and connecting Central Texas to destinations around the world.
 
The celebration included remarks from City of Austin leadership, AUS executives, and federal partners who gathered to recognize the dedicated workforce behind one of the nation's fastest-growing airports.
 
In 2025 alone, AUS served 21,666,852 departing and arriving passengers—an increase of more than 224% from the airport's opening year in 1999, when approximately 6.7 million passengers traveled through AUS. Today, AUS is the fastest-growing airport in Texas and the fourth-fastest-growing airport in North America based on airline seat capacity.
 
Beyond serving millions of travelers each year, AUS is a critical economic enabler for Central Texas, generating opportunities for business, tourism, investment, and regional growth. Initial projections from an economic impact study that AUS is currently developing estimate that the airport will contribute more than $13 billion in total economic output in 2026. As the Journey With AUS expansion program moves forward, the airport’s direct and indirect economic impacts are expected to climb as more facilities become available for airlines to expand existing routes and launch new ones. More information will be shared late this summer once the airport has the final analysis.
 
“Airport workers are the foundation of everything we do at AUS,” said Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. “From maintaining our airfield and welcoming passengers to supporting airline operations, building new infrastructure, ensuring safety and security, and working behind the scenes, their dedication keeps our airport moving 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Today, we celebrate the people whose hard work and commitment make every journey through AUS possible.”
 
“Our airport is much more than its runways and terminal; it’s the success driven by the people who keep it running every day,” said Kirk Watson, Mayor of Austin. “The dedicated workforce at AUS helps connect Austin to the world while supporting our economy, local businesses, and quality of life. We are proud to recognize their contributions and celebrate the essential role they play in our community.”

Airport Workers Day is a continent-wide initiative led by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) to highlight the skilled workforce that supports aviation and to raise awareness of the many career opportunities available throughout the airport industry.
 
From airfield operations specialists and maintenance technicians to engineers, airline employees, concessions workers, public safety personnel, custodians, customer service representatives, and construction professionals, every member of the airport community plays a vital role in connecting passengers and cargo to destinations around the world.
 
Their contributions are especially important as passenger volumes continue to grow. During peak travel periods, AUS serves more than 37,000 departing passengers in a single day, and on October 20, 2025, the airport recorded its busiest day ever with more than 45,000 departing passengers. Meeting this demand requires coordination and dedication from thousands of airport workers across dozens of organizations operating at AUS.
 
The recognition comes as AUS continues to advance the Journey With AUS expansion program, an estimated $5 billion investment that will modernize and expand airport facilities to meet the needs of the growing Central Texas region. Many of the projects currently underway, including the Yellow Garage, Atrium Infill, West Gate Expansion, and New Midfield Taxiways, are being made possible through the expertise and dedication of airport employees and construction partners working across the AUS campus every day.
 
AUS and the City of Austin extend their gratitude to the entire airport community for their commitment to serving travelers, supporting economic growth, and helping keep our surrounding community connected.
 
For information about Austin Aviation careers, visit flyaustin.com/careers-austin-bergstrom-international-airport.