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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.”

Travelers arriving in Houston now have a new reason to linger a little longer in the terminal—especially if they’re craving a snack, forgot a charger or want to grab a last-minute souvenir.Houston Airports concessions contractor Paradies Lagardère has opened H-Town, a new convenience store located on the Arrivals level of the recently unveiled Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The locally inspired retail space features Houston and Texas-themed souvenirs, cold beverages, travel accessories and grab-and-go snacks—serving as both a welcome mat and a one-stop shop for arriving passengers.Situated just outside the secured area, H-Town is perfectly positioned for travelers exiting customs or baggage claim and heading toward the Terminal E Arrivals curb. The store’s merchandise ranges from Texas-shaped cutting boards and Astros caps to key chains, books, magazines, activity books and neck pillows—offering a mix of hometown pride and practical travel gear.For passengers landing late at night or after a long-haul international flight, H-Town offers an extra perk: 24/7 refrigerated coolers outside the storefront. Even if the store itself is closed, travelers can still access cold drinks and snacks—an added convenience for those arriving after delays or outside typical shopping hours.“This is exactly the kind of elevated experience we want our passengers to have,” said Libby Hurley, director of concessions for Houston Airports. “H-Town is another example of how we’re reimagining the journey—offering retail and dining options that reflect Houston’s character and meet travelers’ needs right when and where they need it most.”The store is part of a broader effort to enhance the passenger experience throughout the new IAH International Terminal, where expanded amenities, upgraded wayfinding, fresh food and retail offerings are helping redefine the airport’s reputation as a world-class gateway.As Houston continues to welcome record-breaking passenger volumes, airport officials say investments in thoughtfully curated retail—especially in high-traffic areas like Terminal E Arrivals—are key to making travel more convenient, comfortable and connected to the city itself.RELATED | Houston Airports unveils dynamic dining, retail at IAH Terminal DRELATED | Fuel up before you fly: New dining options arrive at Hobby Airport

Travel days are rarely easy—but for a group of seven students traveling from Denver to London, their layover in Houston became the most memorable part of the trip.It started with a simple request. On Saturday, March 22, at 12:58 p.m., group leader Nora Baars sent an email to Houston Airports. Most of the students in her care are on the autism spectrum, and the travel disruptions they'd already endured—rerouted flights, long nights in terminals—had taken a toll. Their new itinerary included a two-hour layover the following day at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and Baars had one question: Could a therapy dog visit the group while they waited?Behind the scenes, that single note set off a swift and compassionate response.Anthony Brown, ADA coordinator for Houston Airports, received the inquiry and quickly escalated it to Andrew Czobor, who oversees customer service and guest experience at IAH. Czobor passed it to Ella Ghica, manager of outreach initiatives and volunteer programs. By 7:54 p.m., just seven hours later and on a Saturday night, Ghica had the answer.“Great news!” she wrote. “I am happy to inform you that I was able to get one of our dogs to visit us tomorrow at IAH for this request.”The dog was Snickers—one of the newest members of the Houston Airports Pet Therapy program.“That is awesome news,” Brown replied. “I am so proud and blessed to be part of a team that truly cares for our travelers.”But the care didn’t end there.When the students arrived Sunday evening, they were greeted not just by Snickers but by an entire team prepared to go the distance. Madalina Vaduva, a customer service supervisor, met them at the gate and escorted them by electric cart to Terminal D’s Sensory Room, which opened in late 2024. There, Snickers was waiting.In photos taken that night, Baars is seen clutching tissues, her expression a mix of exhaustion and gratitude. “She couldn’t stop saying thank you to the IAH team for all the support we provided,” Ghica later shared. “She asked me a couple of times if all airports in the nation provide the same kind of service as we do.”They don’t. Not like this.“We have a team that has creative minds, willing hands and feet and big hearts,” Brown said in a note to the team.Even when the flight to London was delayed again, Houston Airports staff stayed with the group until boarding. Ghica personally coordinated with a United Airlines agent to ensure the students could be among the first to board—one final gesture in a night full of them.“Trying to make it from one flight to another while traveling with a group like this can be extra stressful,” Ghica said. “We want to make sure that our airports in Houston are remembered and known for offering the best customer service in the industry.”In the architecture of air travel, there are terminals, ticket counters and timelines. But the things passengers remember aren’t always printed on boarding passes. They remember kindness. They remember the people who made them feel seen. And in Houston, on a quiet Sunday night in March, that’s exactly what they received.LEARN MORE | Accessible travel at IAHLEARN MORE | Accessible travel at HOURELATED | The HAS employees creating inclusive spaces for travelers