Austin Plans GA Landing, Fuel, Surge Fees

Observers concerned that new charges could impact flight students and others who pay out of pocket.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 03:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

GA aircraft with maximum landing weight under 12,500 pounds could on occasion pay $150 to use KAUS runways. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) will implement new landing, fuel, and surge fees for general aviation (GA) aircraft starting October 1st to fund a multibillion-dollar expansion and renovation project.
New fees include a $50 flat landing fee for small GA aircraft (under 12,500 pounds MLW), potentially rising to $150 with an added $100 surge fee during special events.
Fuel flowage fees will increase from 10 to 12 cents per gallon, rising annually to 20 cents, and T-hangar rental rates will also see annual increases.
While initially aimed at private jets, these fees will significantly impact all GA users, including flight students and typical pilots, drawing criticism from organizations like AOPA.

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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport plans to levy new landing, fuel, and surge fees on general aviation aircraft beginning in October, according to correspondences between airport managers and city officials. Under the recommended changes, aircraft with maximum landing weight (MLW) under 12,500 pounds could on occasion pay $150 to use KAUS runways.

The new fees originate from a 2025 Austin City Council resolution that directed stakeholders to “explore and evaluate the feasibility” of tiered GA landing fees; increased fuel flowage fees and hangar rental rates; and surge pricing for tie-downs, ramp usage, and landing fees during “high-traffic events” such as football games, NASCAR races, or festivals.