HKG Duty Free secures 8-Year Duty Free contract at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

HKG Duty Free has been awarded an exclusive eight-year duty free retail contract at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas. This landmark agreement will allow HKG Duty Free to introduce its world-class shopping experience to travelers at one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, says the company.

HKG Duty Free will offer a selection of core product categories, including perfume & cosmetics, liquor & tobacco, and will add categories such as confectionery, accessories and electronics in future. HKG Duty Free says that it is committed to enhancing the passenger experience at AUS by bringing an exceptional range of international and local brands to the airport’s diverse traveler demographic.

“We are excited to partner with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and to bring our unique retail expertise to this dynamic and vibrant city,” said Ross Khaledi, President of HKG Duty Free. “Our goal is to provide travelers with an unparalleled shopping experience that reflects the spirit and culture of Austin, while also offering the finest global brands.”

Travel Retailer HKG has an established presence in Texas and California on the U.S. / Mexico border where it offers a curated selection of high-quality products and a superior shopping experience.

“We’re excited to welcome HKG Duty Free to AUS,” said John Gallo, Deputy Chief of Commercial Management for the airport. “As our community continues to grow as an international destination, having a premier Duty Free experience is important for our travelers. We look forward to HKG Duty Free elevating the retail experience at AUS.” 

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport recently transitioned from a medium-sized airport to a large one, serving more than 20 million passengers a year since 2022. With a reputation for outstanding service and a focus on sustainability, it serves as Central Texas’ gateway for both domestic and international flights, offering travelers a wide array of nonstop destinations, facilitating convenient travel to major business and leisure destinations nationwide.

AUS offers nonstop international flights, connecting Austin to key global cities like London, UK, Frankfurt, Germany, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver Canada, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Panama, and several destinations in Mexico.  These international routes expand Austin’s global reach, supporting both business and tourism.

In response to increasing passenger traffic, AUS has embarked on its largest expansion program in history. The “Journey With AUS” program is a multi-year initiative aimed at meeting the current and future needs of the growing region.

The Central Texas region has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the airport’s expansion reflecting the region’s development. Austin is home to a diverse array of major companies across various industries, especially technology. Apple, IBM, Oracle and Tesla all contribute to the city’s tech landscape. Austin’s reputation as a hub for higher education offers a diverse array of academic programs contributing to the city’s dynamic cultural and intellectual environment. The city hosts several art, music and food festivals as well as major international events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix of the Americas.

Founded in 1977 in Laredo, Texas, HKG Duty Free today is a multinational conglomerate, headquartered in Miami, Florida, with increasing presences in the USA and Mexico. Under the leadership of Ross Khaledi HKG Duty Free grew from an electronics distribution company to having numerous retail shops on the US/Mexico border, airport concessions in Mexico and now focusing on US airport Travel Retail. The expansion of HKG Duty Free at such a prominent airport as Austin marks the beginning of a bright future.