AUSTIN, Texas — As Austin’s airport gets busier, crews are working on a project to better handle luggage.
The airport is spending $241 million to modernize its baggage handling system. The upgrade includes 1.5 half miles of new conveyor belts to move bags from check-in, through security and onto planes.
Right now, the system handles about 1,600 bags an hour. When the first phase is finished this summer, that number will jump to 2,400. By 2026, airport officials say it will be able to handle 4,000 bags every hour.
Passengers won’t see much of the construction because it’s all happening at night, behind the scenes.
Airport leaders say this upgrade means less delayed flights and fewer lost bags.
Money for the project is coming from airport revenue and federal grants.