Houston Airports readies for July 4, Concacaf Gold Cup travel boom

Jun 24, 2025

Passenger traffic is up, operations are ready and new improvements are in place for the holiday travel period.

HOUSTON — Houston Airports is gearing up for one of its busiest Independence Day travel periods on record, with passenger traffic expected to rise more than 11% compared to last year’s holiday window.

Between Monday, June 30 and Monday, July 7, 2025, more than 1.5 million passengers are projected to travel through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The strong numbers reflect steady growth in domestic and international travel.

Houston Airports is delivering a world-class passenger experience built on real investment and real improvements. New facilities at Terminal D-West and Terminal E, modernized parking and ground transportation and expanded air service to meet growing demand. Houston Airports remains focused on operating safely, efficiently and collaboratively across all agencies to ensure a smooth travel experience — not just this summer, but as Houston prepares to welcome the world to Houston in 2026.

Many travelers are expected to take to the skies on Monday, June 30, following Beyoncé’s Sunday night concert at NRG in Houston, adding to an already busy holiday kickoff. And Houston is hosting the Concacaf Gold Cup Final at NRG on Sunday, July 6, with fans expected in Houston between July 3 and July 7.

The top four busiest travel days across both airports are projected to be:

• Monday, June 30
• Thursday, July 3
• Sunday, July 6
• Monday, July 7

More rides, better experience: Upgrades to shuttle service and infrastructure at IAH Houston Airports invested $7 million in 36 new shuttles for the ecopark lot at IAH. IAH is optimizing shuttle service to the Rental Car Center, with 18 active shuttles during peak hours.

New METRO route connects IAH and Downtown Houston METRO’s new Route 500 – the IAH Downtown Direct – offers nonstop bus service between downtown Houston (George R. Brown Convention Center) and IAH Terminal C. The service operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with buses every 30 minutes and fares of $4.50 each way.

Passengers traveling through IAH or HOU are encouraged to:

1. Reserve parking online at least 12 hours before arriving at the airport
2. Wait for arriving passengers in cell phone lots
3. Use the upgraded Fly2Houston.com to track TSA wait times and find shops, dining and amenities