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Tulsa International Holds Ribbon Cutting for International Customs Facility

Tulsa International Holds Ribbon Cutting for International Customs Facility

Tulsa International (TUL) recently marked the opening of its new Federal Inspection Services (FIS) – General Aviation Facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
 
The new 45,000-square-foot customs facility will allow commercial air carriers to offer nonstop international flights directly to Tulsa for the first time.
 
Community leaders, government officials and project partners gathered for the ceremony, which featured remarks, live music and custom giveaways to commemorate the occasion.
 
While CBP has maintained a presence at the Oklahoma airport for decades, services have historically been limited to clearing international general aviation and cargo operations. The new facility expands capabilities to include commercial passenger processing, which can also be helpful when TUL receives unexpected international diverted flights.
 
The first international commercial flight will launch on Thursday, with nonstop twice weekly, seasonal service from Tulsa to Cancun, Mexico, operating through August 9.
 
“For the first time ever, Tulsa travelers will be able to board an international flight right here at home,” said Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust CEO Alexis Higgins, A.A.E. “This milestone reflects years of thoughtful planning and a shared vision to better connect Tulsa to the world.”
 
The total project cost for design and construction was approximately $41 million and is funded through a combination of Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust funds and grants from the FAA.

Austin-Bergstrom International Secures $1.2B in Bond Sale for Airport Expansion

Austin-Bergstrom International Secures $1.2B in Bond Sale for Airport Expansion

Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) has successfully completed an Airport System Revenue Bond sale, securing $1.18 billion in funding to advance critical infrastructure projects. The transaction marks the largest bond sale in the history of the airport and the City of Austin.

The funds will support near-term projects within the Airport Expansion and Development Program, also known as the “Journey With AUS” expansion program, a multibillion-dollar initiative designed to modernize facilities, increase capacity and enhance the passenger experience at the Texas airport. 

Originally designed to serve 11 million annual passengers, and with a current capability of serving an estimated 15 million annual passengers, AUS is on track to serve 22 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2026.

Planned improvements include a new 26-gate Concourse B and Tunnel, a new Arrivals and Departures Hall, an integrated baggage handling system, a 6-gate satellite Concourse M (pictured), expanded roadway access, additional surface parking, a new parking garage, a new Central Utility Plant, new midfield taxiways and utility upgrades across the airport campus.

“This successful bond issuance reflects the bond market’s strong confidence in the future of Central Texas and in the essential role Austin-Bergstrom International Airport plays in driving regional economic growth,” said Airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi. “This milestone allows us to move forward with critical improvements that will expand capacity, enhance the traveler experience, and support the region’s economic vitality for decades to come.”

Airport revenue bonds remain a standard financing tool for large-scale aviation infrastructure projects, AUS notes. The airport anticipates returning to the bond market in the coming years, with plans to issue approximately $4.2 billion in additional bonds through 2030 to fund future phases of the project.