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

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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 flowage, and surge fees for general aviation (GA) aircraft starting in October to help fund a multibillion-dollar airport expansion.
New fees include a $50 flat landing fee for light GA aircraft (potentially $150 with a special event surge), increased fuel flowage fees rising to $0.20/gallon over five years, and 5% annual T-hangar rental rate increases.
These charges, intended to balance usage costs between commercial and non-commercial users, are criticized for potentially negatively impacting flight students and other non-wealthy GA users.

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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.