😮 No steering wheels on new Tesla robotaxis?!

The Latest on Austin's Airport Expansion

If you were one of the over 30,000 travelers departing from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport over the holiday weekend, you might have felt the airport could use a little more space. Well, good news: A major airport expansion project is wrapping up and nearing completion! [Flyaustin.com]

• The West Gate Expansion project will finish later this fall. After construction on this project began three years ago, five new gates opened to the public in April, and there's more to come. Travelers can expect more seating, high-tech restrooms, a public patio, a playscape for kids, and more. [KVUE]
• This is part of a much bigger investment. A whopping $5 billion is being put into making airport improvements, including a plan announced earlier this year to nearly double ABIA's gate capacity with 32 additional gates. The expansion is being funded exclusively through airport revenue and federal grants. [KUT]
• Southwest is also doubling down on Austin. Southwest signed an incentive deal with the city last year that could bring 2,000 jobs to Austin. And last week, the airline announced ABIA would be one of four airports to get its first-ever airport lounge. [Austin American-Statesman 🔒]
• More routes are transforming ABIA into an increasingly international destination. Delta Air Lines announced new daily nonstop flights to Paris that will begin in 2027. Meanwhile, the Mexican budget carrier Volaris is seeking to make its debut at the airport with a nonstop flight to Guadalajara. [KUT, Austin Business Journal 🔒]

Tesla Launches Steering-Wheel-Free Robotaxis

Last week, Elon Musk's company rolled out its new Cybercabs in Austin. Unlike the Tesla robotaxis already operating here, these gold-painted autonomous vehicles don’t have steering wheels or brake pedals. [The Texas Tribune]

City Seeking Outside Company To Host Adult Sports Leagues

After community backlash over the city's plans to cut its indoor basketball and volleyball leagues, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department is now looking for an outside company to run them. Some residents remain concerned that a private operator would raise league prices. [KUT]

Better Half and Hold Out Brewing Add North Austin Location

Turnstile Bar and Restaurant at 10025 Burnet Rd. will become Never Better and Hold Out Bar & Grill, a smaller version of the duo's downtown spot. The new location will operate as a cafe and coffee shop in the morning and feature a bar-focused menu later in the day. [Austin American-Statesman 🔒]

Luxury Hotel Opens Downtown

The 1 Hotel Austin, which occupies the first 16 floors of the Waterline, is now open. It's the luxury hospitality brand's first Texas property and includes 252 rooms, multiple restaurants, a pool, and a spa. Rooms start at $500 a night. [Axios Austin]