Austin-Bergstrom South Terminal opening April 2017

​​​​​​​​​​​AUSTIN – It’s hard to escape the parallels between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s new South Terminal and South Austin itself.

The South Terminal is just different. Call it weird, if you will.​

Things are decidedly more laid back and smaller. Outdoorsy types and those who like throw-backs to days gone by will love it. And, of course, there’s live music around the corner.

The one-story building can handle up to 36 aircraft arrivals and departures per day and up to 500,000 annual boardings.

When it opens this month the South Terminal will feature three outdoor gates, meaning passengers will cross the tarmac to board planes.​

There will be two TSA security screening lines, an indoor/outdoor waiting area with a bar and music stage, food and drink kiosks and 1,000 parking spaces.

Those behind the project hope the new digs and some retro flavor can attract more low-cost carriers.​

Lonestar Airport Holdings is spending $12 million on the renovations, which started in July 2016.

Allegiant Air Inc. and Texas Sky Public Charters are the first carriers signed up to use the South Terminal and will fly to destinations including Las Vegas, Indianapolis and Cleveland.