Houston Airports is working with Southwest Airlines on an expansion of the West Concourse at William P. Hobby Airport, the first and only 5-Star Skytrax airport in North America.

The expansion, which is scheduled to begin in early 2024 and span two years, will include 7 additional gates that can accommodate domestic and international flights; an expanded and renovated baggage handling system and baggage claim area; and an overhead canopy along the departures curb that will protect against inclement weather and connect the Red Garage to the terminal.

The West Concourse Expansion Project comes less than a decade after Hobby Airport last expanded. In October 2015, Southwest Airlines commenced service from a 280,000 square-foot West Concourse, which includes five gates that can accommodate international and domestic flights; a ticketing hall; a Federal Inspection Services facility; and an expanded TSA checkpoint. The opening of the $156 million West Concourse marked the return of international air service to Hobby Airport after a 46-year hiatus.

The expansion of the West Concourse will be a natural continuation of modern design, natural light and “Houston Friendly” ambiance. The expansion creates space for more restaurants, retail and art.