Welcome toGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport

Big things are happening at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) as the Terminal B Transformation Project continues to take flight.This month, glass is being installed on the B North concourses, bringing visual momentum to the $2.55 billion redevelopment of Terminal B, one of the oldest terminals at IAH. The new curtainwall system—comprised of 1,316 units of glass panels—adds a sleek, modern exterior to the terminal’s future gate areas, where passengers will soon experience a new level of comfort and convenience.B North alone uses more than 8,000 tons of structural steel, reinforcing the scale and permanence of this multi-year project. The B North concourses are expected to be fully finished and operational by fall 2026, delivering a refreshed gate experience with more space, upgraded amenities and new concessions for United Airlines passengers.Travelers riding the Skyway can now spot the transformation from above—steel frames, new glass and visible progress on the new ticketing lobby and concourses tell the story of what’s to come.Construction continues to temporarily shift the passenger experience. The Terminal B lobby remains closed, and check-in has been relocated to Terminal C. Clear signage and free shuttle options help guide travelers to the right place.With each panel of glass installed, United Airlines and Houston Airports are one step closer to unveiling a modern, world-class Terminal B.LEARN MORE | IAH Terminal B Redevelopment ProjectRELATED | Construction advances as IAH Terminal B preps for a modern upgrade

When passengers fly through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), most never realize that every call, alert and response is coordinated through a central location: the Airport Operations Center (AOC). Behind the scenes, this small but mighty team works around the clock to keep the airport—and everyone in it—safe, informed and moving.At Hobby Airport, Henry Dawson leads that effort as division manager of the AOC. “The AOC is the vital nerve of the airport,” Dawson explains. “Everything that happens—from a report of smoke in an aircraft cabin to an overflowing toilet—funnels through our center. Our job is to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.”The team of telecommunicators at both airports coordinates communications between airport stakeholders, ensures security and emergency protocols are followed, and responds to real-time calls from passengers and staff. The HOU AOC also answers calls for Ellington Airport (EFD). One moment, they might dispatch a maintenance crew to a terminal; the next, they could be activating emergency response for a medical call or coordinating law enforcement in response to a report of human trafficking.“We touch almost everything that happens at the airport—whether it’s behind the scenes or in direct response to a passenger’s need,” Dawson says.This year, Houston Airports is celebrating National Telecommunications Week, April 13–19, with a weeklong recognition of the AOC professionals at IAH and HOU. Dawson and his team have planned daily treats, hot meals and heartfelt gifts—from pizza and wings to custom lanyard pens and candles. Each small gesture honors the big impact this team makes.Chelsea Nelson, airport communications supervisor at IAH, says it best: “This is a 24/7 operation—rain or shine, holidays or weekends. When the phone rings, we never know what’s waiting on the other end. But this team always shows up and handles it with professionalism and heart.”Houston Airports employees assigned to the IAH AOC. Many AOC team members bring prior experience from emergency dispatch, 311 service centers and other customer-focused roles. Their diverse backgrounds and constant collaboration form a communications backbone that keeps Houston’s airports running efficiently and safely.While the AOC may be tucked away from public view, its impact reaches every terminal, taxiway and gate.“Passengers may never meet the professionals in our AOCs, but their work saves lives, protects people and keeps operations running safely every day,” said Steve Runge, chief of operations for Houston Airports. “From coordinating emergency responses to assisting lost travelers, this team is a lifeline—for our passengers, employees and partners. Their work is mission critical.”Across Houston Airports, 48 employees—33 at IAH and 15 at HOU—are assigned to work in the Airport Operations Centers. In 2024, the Hobby Airport AOC handled 46,667 phone calls, while the Bush Airport AOC handled 191,625 calls.For Nelson, National Telecommunications Week is more than a celebration—it’s an overdue spotlight.“This week gives us a chance to hit pause and celebrate all the moments the public never sees,” she says. “They’re coordinating emergency response, solving problems, helping passengers—and they do it all without missing a beat.”Dawson agrees. “They can’t do their jobs in silos. Everything requires communication and teamwork. That’s what makes the AOC work—and that’s what makes them extraordinary.”And this week, he hopes the team hears what travelers rarely get the chance to say out loud: thank you.

United Airlines launched its first-ever nonstop service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Puerto Escondido, Mexico (PXM) on Saturday, April 5. Nestled in the state of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido is famous for its golden beaches, laid-back surf culture and vibrant food scene. This new Saturday-only route offers Houston travelers a convenient 2-hour and 44-minute nonstop flight to Puerto Escondido.The launch is more than a leisure win—it’s a strategic milestone for Houston Airports.“This new connection to Puerto Escondido is a win for travelers and a signal of what’s to come as Houston prepares to host the 2026 World Cup,” said Kelly Woodward, chief operating officer for Houston Airports. “It’s another example of how Houston Airports is working with airline partners to ensure we remain a primary gateway to Latin America.”Houston has long been a leader in connectivity to Mexico. Since 2014, passenger traffic between the two has grown by nearly 75% with 5.1 million travelers flying between Houston and Mexico in 2024. Houston Airports offers nonstop flights to 24 Mexican destinations. Puerto Escondido becomes United’s 24th Latin American destination served exclusively from Houston and the 53rd overall, underscoring the hub's significance in United’s global network. Notably, it is the second Mexican destination where United offers exclusive international service, joining Puebla.“The launch of this new route further strengthens United’s position in Houston as the airline’s gateway to Latin America, offering more seats to Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean from Texas than any other airline operating out of IAH,” said Phil Griffith, vice president of airport operations for United Airlines. “We are proud to introduce this route and provide our customers with the opportunity to experience all that Puerto Escondido has to offer. United has a long-standing and rich history in Houston, operating more than 500 flights a day at IAH, and we continue to expand our network to meet the evolving needs of our customers. This new service exemplifies our commitment to offering more travel options to and from Houston for years to come.”And Houston’s connectivity stretch doesn’t stop there.United's expansion from Houston continues. In May, the airline plans to launch a new route to Salina, Kansas, and debut nonstop service to Portland, Maine, in June. These additions invite Houstonians to explore diverse destinations, from the artistic charm of Salina to the coastal allure of Portland.