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) plans to implement new landing, fuel flowage, and surge fees for general aviation (GA) aircraft starting in October.
These new fees include a flat $50 landing fee for aircraft under 12,500 pounds, an additional $100 surge fee during special events (making a total of $150 for smaller GA aircraft on those occasions), and a phased increase in fuel flowage fees from 10 to 20 cents per gallon.
The fees are intended to generate revenue for a multi-billion dollar airport expansion and renovation, aiming to balance usage costs, but critics argue they will disproportionately impact light GA pilots and flight students, not just private jet 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.