Welcome toGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport

Houston is wide open this summer. With record passenger demand and an expanding menu of nonstop routes, travelers departing George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) have more options than ever, whether they’re chasing mountains, music or mezcal.Next year, the world will be coming to Houston. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will transform Houston into one of soccer’s global epicenters. Hotels will fill, flights will be booked and soccer fever will take over, making now the perfect time for Houstonians to explore other destinations before the world arrives at their front door.Beyond the usual: Belize City & San Pedro SulaFor travelers looking to break out of the Cancun-and-Cabo routine, Belize City (BZE) and San Pedro Sula (SAP) offer a lesser-known path into Central America’s culture, beaches and biodiversity. United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines serve these routes directly from Houston.Europe in the sun: Amsterdam, Frankfurt & MunichThere’s a sweet spot in European summer travel before the peak crowds arrive. KLM, Lufthansa and United offer nonstop access to Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), connecting Houston to history, festivals and long daylight hours.The Canadian window: Banff season is shortCalgary (YYC) is the entry point to Banff National Park’s postcard-perfect scenery, but travelers have until late September before winter returns. United’s new service to Edmonton (YEG) offers even more ways to explore Alberta.Mexican markets expandVolaris is growing its footprint out of Houston with new options to Morelia (MLM) and San Luis Potosi (SLP), joining United Airlines’ established service. These central Mexico cities offer rich cultural experiences and expanding business ties.Closer to home, plenty of optionsFor domestic travelers, nonstop flights to Miami (MIA), Tampa (TPA), Pensacola (PNS), Portland (PDX) and Seattle (SEA) remain popular for sun, sand and seafood. San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) continues to draw travelers seeking Spanish-Caribbean culture without leaving U.S. borders.And yes, there are two PortlandsPortland, Maine (PWM) and Portland, Oregon (PDX) are both on the summer schedule, though only one sits near Seattle. Either way, travelers can pick their coast.Music, beaches and a little Southern charmAllegiant’s seasonal service to Gulf Shores, Alabama (GUF) and Southwest’s nonstop to Nashville (BNA) offer easy getaways for beachgoers and country music fans.The bottom line, with the world preparing to turn its attention to Houston in 2026, this summer gives locals the perfect window to explore new destinations before the global spotlight arrives.

This morning, June 12, All Nippon Airways (ANA) celebrated a decade of nonstop service between Houston and Tokyo at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Since launching its Houston–Tokyo route in 2015, ANA has played a critical role in connecting Houston’s global business, energy, and tourism industries directly to Asia.Passengers aboard today’s anniversary flight were greeted at Terminal D with commemorative banners, gift items and celebratory displays as they prepared to depart for Tokyo. The departing flight received a ceremonial water arch salute from the Houston Fire Department stationed at IAH, a long-standing aviation tradition reserved for major milestones.After the departure, ANA hosted a catered reception for its team members, Houston Airports leadership, and key stakeholders to honor the partnership and reflect on 10 years of shared success.ANA’s Houston–Tokyo service represents far more than a flight. It’s a critical global bridge that fuels business, strengthens cultural ties, and underscores Houston’s position as an international gateway.Since 2015, ANA’s service has offered Houstonians direct access to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and one-stop connections across Asia, providing seamless travel options for business and leisure passengers alike. The Houston–Tokyo route remains vital to the airport system’s expanding international network.The celebration reflects Houston Airports’ ongoing commitment to building strong airline partnerships and supporting global connectivity, particularly ahead of major international events like the FIFA World Cup 2026.

There are moments when the eyes of the world turn to one city. Today, they turned to Houston—and to the heart of its newest international terminal.On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, exactly one year before the opening whistle of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Houston Airports flipped the switch on a massive digital countdown clock at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz-Oy-eqj_U)Positioned inside Terminal D-West, the city's new, state-of-the-art international concourse, the clock now ticks down the final 365 days to the most-watched sporting event on the planet.It was a moment meant to move people, literally and figuratively.At precisely 10 a.m., passengers gathered near the Harmony in the Air stage. The area pulsed with live music. Therapy dogs wove between travelers, and airport staff led a spontaneous dance party. Texas Tim, the airport’s unofficial cowboy-in-chief, greeted passengers with his signature caricature drawings, this time in soccer jerseys. When the final seconds were announced, a countdown led by Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak echoed through the concourse, and the future lit up.“This terminal is where the world connects,” said Szczesniak. “What better place to celebrate the global spirit of soccer than the very spot where international passengers arrive and depart? It’s symbolic, it’s strategic and it’s very Houston.”While FIFA has a history of placing countdown clocks in public landmarks, Houston chose to install its clock inside an airport... and not just any terminal. Terminal D-West was purpose-built to welcome the world: an international gateway with modern amenities, expansive light-filled spaces and proximity to the freshly expanded Terminal E.“There’s no better place to feel the momentum of the world’s biggest sporting event than right here,” said Andrew Czobor, assistant director of guest experience at IAH. “We’re not just moving people. We’re building excitement, starting at our international gates.”For many travelers, this was no ordinary airport visit. Children danced to music, families snapped selfies with the countdown clock, and passengers paused long enough to watch a moment of history unfold.“We’re curating an experience for travelers that reflects Houston’s dynamic, creative energy,” said Alton DuLaney, chief curator of cultural affairs for the City of Houston. “Art, music, culture—and now this incredible countdown moment. It’s a fusion of civic pride and global anticipation.”Houston is already positioning itself as the ultimate hub for the tournament. In May, Houston Airports launched a first-of-its-kind interactive destination map on Fly2Houston.com. With just a tap, travelers can filter nonstop flights to all 16 host cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, directly from IAH and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk6FenxV7rw)The infrastructure is in place. The world is watching. And the countdown, officially, has begun.The digital clock may be mechanical, but its symbolism is unmistakable. It beats inside a terminal that greets the globe, reminding every passenger who passes by that Houston isn’t just part of the journey, it’s where the journey begins.Visit www.fly2houston.com to explore nonstop destinations and plan your 2026 experience.