Austin-Bergstrom proposes landing, fuel and surge fees for general aviation

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has recommended new charges for general aviation aircraft, covering landing, fuel flowage and surge pricing, according to correspondence between airport managers and city officials. Under the proposal, aircraft with a maximum landing weight below 12,500 pounds could at times pay $150 to use the airport's runways.

The recommendation follows a 2025 Austin City Council resolution that asked stakeholders to examine whether tiered GA landing fees, higher fuel flowage fees and hangar rental rates, and surge pricing for tie-downs, ramp use and landing during high-traffic events such as football games, NASCAR races and festivals were feasible.

The fees are expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional airport revenue. Austin-Bergstrom is in the middle of a multibillion-dollar expansion and renovation that, over the next decade, aims to add 32 gates plus an arrivals and departures hall and more concourse and other building space, along with expanded ramp operations. The airport says its net revenues will fund 22 percent of the project, with revenue bonds covering the rest.

A memo dated March 11 and obtained by The Austin Current indicates the charges could take effect by October 1. The outlet quoted Vanessa Fuentes, the council member who wrote the 2025 resolution, saying users of private jets should pay their fair share. The recommended charges would also apply to light GA aircraft.

Tom Chandler, a regional manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, told the outlet that the new fees could hurt the "vast majority" of members who pay them out of pocket, including flight students.