Houston Airports outlines $40.6 billion impact, growth plans at State of the Airports

Dec 4, 2025

Director Jim Szczesniak says Houston is ’ready to fly, shine and grow’ as roadway traffic improves, infrastructure expands as region prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

HOUSTON — More than 600 business and civic leaders filled the ballroom at the Marriott Marquis on Thursday as Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak delivered his annual State of the Airports address, emphasizing how Houston Airports is strengthening its global footprint, improving the passenger journey and powering $40.6 billion in annual economic impact for the region.

Hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership, the event highlighted that Houston Airports operates without city tax dollars. Every dollar earned at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport / Houston Spaceport (EFD) is reinvested to improve operations, create jobs and modernize facilities.

“Houston Airports generates $40.6 billion in economic activity for this region and supports more than 207,000 jobs, and we do it without using city tax dollars,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “Every dollar earned at our airports goes back into improving operations, creating new opportunities and strengthening Houston’s position as a global gateway.”

Traffic Improvements Deliver Visible Relief

Szczesniak noted significant progress on one of Mayor John Whitmire’s top priorities: roadway traffic at Bush Airport.

By removing construction barriers, accelerating the opening of a new seven-lane international arrivals curb and reorganizing flows through the C/D/E garage, inbound and outbound traffic congestion has improved measurably.

“We move 63 million people through Houston every year, build multibillion-dollar terminals and keep passengers and traffic flowing through everything from hurricanes to government shutdowns,” Szczesniak said. “Fixing traffic was essential — and the data shows those improvements are working.”

Infrastructure Improvements

The address highlighted more than $30 million in restroom renovations across Hobby and at Terminals A and D at Bush Airport. New restrooms feature longer doors, touchless fixtures, brighter lighting, occupancy indicators and expanded space — elevating one of the most consistent pain points in air travel. United Airlines will align its restroom upgrades in Terminals C and E with the airport system’s modernization standards.

Szczesniak also detailed the adoption of diamond-pad floor polishing, which eliminates chemical use, cuts annual costs by more than $150,000 and significantly increases shine and slip resistance across 800,000 square feet of flooring. “We’re checking off cleaner facilities and better infrastructure on our checklist,” Szczesniak said. “Houston Airports is ready to shine.”

Major capital projects continue to reshape both airports. The International Central Processor is set to open in early 2026 and will unify international departures and arrivals into one world-class terminal, featuring expanded curbs, a modern baggage handling system and a pedestrian bridge linking directly to the parking garage. A $2.55 billion Terminal B Transformation with United Airlines and the $470 million west concourse expansion at Hobby with Southwest Airlines will add gates, concessions, technology and capacity needed to support future demand.

A new parking system now reads license plates at entry and exit and supports online reservations at Fly2Houston.com. Investments in Wi-Fi, cellular coverage and rideshare capacity have improved at both airports.

Global Connectivity and Continued Expansion

Houston now offers more than 200 nonstop destinations, joining a small group of U.S. cities with that level of connectivity. Recent route announcements highlight new service to Europe, Latin America, Asia and key domestic markets.

Beyond passengers, the address underscored the growing strength of air cargo and the Houston Spaceport. Houston’s airports are on track to move a record 565,000 metric tons of cargo this year, representing more than $23 billion in international trade and supporting a shift toward high-value shipments like electronics, semiconductors and aerospace components. At Ellington Airport, the Houston Spaceport has grown into a hub with more than $10 billion in aerospace contracts, supporting thousands of jobs tied to astronaut training, lunar landers and the next generation of space technologies.

“Houston Airports is ready for 2026,” Szczesniak said ahead of a fireside chat with Ryan Walsh, CEO and executive director of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. The two discussed safety and security upgrades across the airport system, new technology that expedites the screening process for international visitors arriving in Houston and how Houston is one of a handful of host cities that also offer nonstop flights to the other 15 soccer tournament host cities across North America.