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, alongside increased T-hangar rental rates.
New charges include a flat $50 landing fee for light GA aircraft (potentially $150 during special events) and a gradual increase in fuel flowage fees from 10 to 20 cents per gallon over five years.
These fees are intended to fund the airport's multi-billion dollar expansion and balance user costs, but they are expected to significantly impact light GA aircraft owners and flight students, drawing concerns from groups 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.