Houston Airports ready for Thanksgiving travel as TSA restores operations

Nov 20, 2025

More than 2.1 million passengers expected at Bush and Hobby Airports from Nov. 20 to Dec. 1

HOUSTON — Houston Airports is ready to welcome more than 2.1 million travelers through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) during the Thanksgiving travel period from Nov. 20 to Dec. 1.

Holiday passenger totals:

• IAH: More than 1.6 million people
• HOU: An estimated 500,000 people

With the federal government shutdown over, TSA is restoring normal operations.

• TSA checkpoints at IAH Terminals A, C and E are open
• TSA has resumed normal operations at Hobby Airport

WHAT’S NEXT

The TSA checkpoint at IAH Terminal D reopens at noon on Friday, Nov. 21, providing additional screening lanes for holiday travelers and restoring full checkpoint capacity.

WHAT’S NEW

This is the first Thanksgiving travelers will experience the new Terminal E Ticketing Lobby and the expanded International Departures and Arrivals curbs at IAH. The additional capacity is expected to deliver smoother, more efficient holiday travel.

Houston Airports deployed 15 additional Houston Police officers for holiday traffic control at IAH.

Passengers should look for the orange. Houston Airports employees in bright orange polos can assist with wayfinding and general travel support.

WHAT TRAVELERS SHOULD DO NOW

Passengers should arrive early and allow extra time because:

• Parking demand is high — reserve parking at Fly2Houston.com/parking at least 12 hours before arrival
• More passengers are checking bags — allow extra time at airline counters
• More passengers will be screened — TSA throughput may fluctuate as staffing normalizes
• Plan pick-ups wisely — use cell phone lots to reduce curbside delays

Track TSA wait times and parking capacity on our website or through our free mobile app.