Welcome toWilliam P. Hobby Airport

Velvet Taco, a Houston-born favorite, has firmly planted its roots in the city's vibrant food scene—and now, it's earning national recognition. The innovative taco concept operated by LaTrelle's Management Corporation inside William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) clinched the Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept award in the medium/small airport category at the 21st annual Airport Experience (AX) Conference on April 1 in Washington, D.C.From left to right: Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak with members of the James family, which owns and operates Latrelle's, and Houston Airports Director of Concessions Libby Hurley.The honor comes just a year after Velvet Taco opened its first airport location in partnership with LaTrelle's and a decade after the brand debuted on Houston's Washington Avenue with a bold idea: tacos don't have to follow the rules.Since then, Velvet Taco has become a beloved local fixture, known for its globally inspired flavors, made-from-scratch ingredients and funky, fast-casual vibe. Its presence in Hobby Airport is a natural extension of that success—and a testament to the city's appetite for local flavor in every terminal.ENROLL NOW | Houston Airports launches new concessions loyalty rewards programThe AX award win confirms that Velvet Taco is a quick-service concept that provides a high-quality, exceptional experience for travelers in a quick-turnaround format."This award puts a national spotlight on the transformation happening at Hobby Airport," said Libby Hurley, director of concessions for Houston Airports. "Together with LaTrelle's, Velvet Taco brings personality, flavor and serious culinary credibility to our lineup of airport dining options."Located near Gate 46, Velvet Taco opened in February 2024 as one of the first completed projects in a multi-phase, multi-year overhaul of Hobby Airport's food and beverage program. The restaurant pushes the edge of multicultural boundaries with a vegan and gluten-free menu, sizzling steak tacos and margaritas to-go.EXPLORE NOW | Retail and restaurant options at Hobby Airport"We're not just serving tacos. We're serving up a whole vibe," Hurley said. "Velvet Taco offers something for everyone—with flair and fast service."With travelers responding enthusiastically, a second airport location will open later this year in the newly expanded Terminal D at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).Velvet Taco's win also sets the stage for what's next: phase 3 of Hobby Airport's dining transformation is now in motion, with more celebrated local concepts—including SpindleTap Brewery, Common Bond and Killen's Barbecue—coming soon. Recently featured in Houston's first-ever Michelin Guide, Killen's earned a Bib Gourmand nod for delivering exceptional flavor at an approachable price."Houston Airports is committed to creating a world-class experience for travelers," said Hurley. "That includes a dining experience that reflects Houston's bold, diverse and unforgettable tastes."RELATED | Fuel up before you fly: New dining options arrive at Hobby AirportRELATED | Throughgood Bistro opens at Hobby AirportRELATED | The Rustic opens at HOU, bringing live music and Texas flavors to travelers

Houston’s two major airports just wrapped up a Spring Break travel period marked by record-setting passenger numbers, operational success and the debut of a new terminal space designed to ease the journey for millions of travelers.RELATED | Houston Airports ready for millions of travelers in first major travel rush of 2025Preliminary data provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) show that Sunday, March 9, was one of the busiest days on record at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), with TSA throughput ranking as the fourth-highest single-day total in airport history. The combined passenger count on March 9 across Bush and Hobby airports surpassed last year’s Spring Break peak by more than 1,100 originating and departing passengers.In total, more than 2.3 million travelers passed through Houston’s airports during the 12-day period from March 6 to March 17, reflecting a 6% increase at Bush Airport compared with the same period last year.The airport system’s aviation director credits careful planning and recent infrastructure investments with helping manage the growing demand. That includes the new Terminal E Ticketing Lobby at Bush Airport, which opened in February, ahead of the Spring Break rush. The expansive, modern facility offers passengers additional space, new technology and improved check-in efficiency during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.“These numbers not only highlight the growing demand for air travel in Houston but also the city's increasing appeal as a destination during key travel seasons,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “Our team worked around the clock to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for passengers, from curb to gate.”This year’s surge was driven by both outbound leisure travel and an influx of visitors headed to major events in the region, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Houston’s airports also serve as popular gateways for cruise passengers and travelers heading to the Texas Gulf Coast.While TSA throughput data captures only departing passengers who need to clear TSA screening, total passenger counts—including arriving and connecting passengers—will be finalized in mid-April when airlines submit their Spring Break enplanement figures.Even without the full data set, Szczesniak believes early signs point to continued momentum for Houston’s aviation footprint.“Hitting record throughput while maintaining our service standards is no small feat,” Szczesniak said. “It reflects the strength of Houston’s position as a global gateway and the dedication of our employees.”

At most airports, travelers rush past terminals with their eyes fixed on gate numbers and departure screens. But in Houston, a layover might just offer a brush with surreal whimsy.Now in its second year, a partnership between Houston Airports and the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art is transforming the airport experience with unexpected moments of creative delight. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), travelers are greeted not just by taxi queues or luggage carts but by gleaming, rhinestone-encrusted sedans and whimsical, winged roadsters. These are Art Cars—mobile masterpieces that reflect the city’s bold, imaginative spirit.Each season brings a new installation. At Bush Airport’s Terminal A ticketing lobby, visitors can now enjoy “Karmadillo” by artist Rebecca Bass. It’s an armadillo-inspired creation that blurs the line between sculpture and sedan. At Hobby Airport, “Fruitmobile” by artist Jackie Harris offers a playful burst of color and nostalgia.“These Art Cars instantly change the energy of a space,” said Alton DuLaney, curator of public art for Houston Airports. “Passengers stop in their tracks. Kids smile. People take photos and share them. That’s the power of public art—it connects people, even in a busy airport environment.”Each vehicle is a veteran of Houston’s world-famous Art Car Parade, the largest of its kind. By displaying these cars year-round, Houston Airports and the Orange Show invite visitors to engage with the city’s creative culture from the moment they arrive.“Whether you’re a traveler passing through or a loved one picking someone up, you’re greeted with art that’s uniquely Houston,” DuLaney said. “It’s a joyful, memorable experience—and a great introduction to our city.”In a time when many airports feel indistinguishable, Houston’s Art Cars offer a meaningful sense of place. They remind travelers that travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s also about the experience along the way. And in Houston, that experience begins with creativity, culture and a distinct celebration of the city’s artistic spirit.The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art will host the 38th annual Houston Art Car Parade and Festival April 10 thru April 13. The parade is scheduled for April 12 at 2 p.m.