Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Receives ACI-NA 2026 Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Award for Community Education and Outreach – Off Campus Category

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) was recognized by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) as the 2026 inaugural winner of the Community Education and Outreach – Off Campus Category, part of the prestigious Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Awards.
 
Announced on October 21, 2026, ACI-NA’s annual awards program celebrates the top airports across the United States and Canada, highlighting the creative and strategic efforts of airport professionals who elevate the respective airport's customer experience and strengthen connections within their community.
 
This year, AUS earned the top honor in the Community Education and Outreach – Off Campus category for its creative and collaborative participation in the 2026 Blues on the Green concert series at Zilker Park, one of Austin’s most beloved local traditions. By participating in this large-scale community event, AUS engaged directly with thousands of Austinites, answered questions about the airport’s Journey With AUS expansion program, shared airport updates, and distributed educational materials and promotional giveaways designed to build trust and transparency with the traveling public.
 
In partnership with Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment’s (ACME) Art in Public Places Program (AIPP), local artist Malti Lee led an interactive public input activity that invited concertgoers to contribute ideas for an upcoming public art installation at the airport. Community members learned about the artistic process, shared feedback, and helped shape artwork that reflects Austin’s vibrant identity and creative spirit.
 
“This award is a tremendous honor and a proud moment for our airport,” said Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. “Connecting with our community is at the heart of everything we do at AUS, and being recognized by ACI-NA affirms the creativity, dedication, and passion our team brings to that mission since our concerted effort to prioritize community engagement in recent years. Engaging Austinites at Blues on the Green allowed us to share important airport updates while celebrating the culture that makes our city so special. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to our partners and the community for making it possible.”
 
Through this outreach effort, AUS deepened its community connections, expanded public awareness of airport initiatives, and demonstrated its commitment to authentic engagement with Austin’s culture. This ACI‑NA recognition affirms the impact of that work and highlights AUS’s dedication to serving as both a leading transportation hub and a trusted community partner.
 
Read the full ACI-NA press release here: https://airportscouncil.org/press_release/airports-council-announces-winners-of-the-2026-excellence-in-airport-marketing-communications-and-customer-experience-awards/