Welcome toGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport

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.

The shuttle bus ride from Terminal A to the Rental Car Center at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) usually lasts less than 10 minutes. But on the night of March 26, that ride became something more—a moment of heartbreak, grace and compassion that one family says they’ll never forget.“We flew in from Ontario, California Wednesday night, trying to get my wife's sister's bedside before she passed away,” a passenger wrote in a message submitted through the Houston Airports Online Feedback Portal. “Sadly, my wife was called while we were on the shuttle bus to the car rental area and notified that her sister had passed away.”Overwhelmed by grief, the couple stood on the sidewalk outside the rental car center. “My wife was crying as we exited the bus, and we stood on the sidewalk hugging each other,” the message continued. “One of the airport workers, I believe it was our shuttle bus driver, rushed over to see what was wrong.”That driver was Arthur Williams, who works for Transdev U.S., the contractor that operates the IAH Rental Car Center shuttle service. He didn’t hesitate. “We told him about the passing of our family member,” the passenger wrote, “and he immediately asked if there was anything he could do to help and if he could pray for us.”There, outside the facility on a quiet Wednesday night, Williams prayed with them. “We hugged each other as he prayed for my wife and her family,” the message read. “What a wonderful thing he did for us. We will NEVER forget his kindness.”Williams didn’t stop there. He walked the couple to the front door of the building and directed them to the right desk. “He was a gentleman and an angel sent to us that night,” the passenger wrote. “Thank you so much for extending Texas hospitality to us in our time of need.”“Arthur’s compassion that night exemplifies the very best of who we hope to be as a team,” said Ben Herr, general manager of Transdev U.S. IAH Rental Car Shuttle. “He saw two people in pain and simply did what came naturally to him—he showed up with kindness and care. We’re proud to have him on our team.”For Houston Airports, it was a powerful reminder of the role frontline employees play—not just in operations but in people’s lives.“The act of kindness by Arthur Williams was not part of any training manual—it came from the heart,” said Kelly Woodward, chief operating officer for Houston Airports. “This is who we are. Whether you’re arriving for vacation or in the middle of heartbreak, our airport community is here to meet you with dignity, compassion and humanity.”In an era often defined by hurried connections and transactional service, Arthur Williams offered something different: presence, empathy and a prayer. For one grieving family, it meant everything.

For most travelers, airports represent movement—transitions, connections and anticipation. But for passengers with autism or other sensory-processing differences, the airport experience can feel overwhelming. That’s why Houston Airports is working year-round to create spaces that prioritize calm, clarity and compassion.Inside George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), a quiet room is making a big impact. Just past security in Terminal A, the airport’s first-ever sensory room offers a peaceful, low-stimulation environment designed for neurodivergent travelers of all ages. Outfitted with tactile tools, soft lighting and comfortable seating, the space offers a safe moment of stillness before boarding. A second sensory room opened in Terminal D in 2024.Inclusion doesn’t stop there.In March, a group of students with autism traveling from Denver to London arrived at IAH for a layover. They were met by Houston Airports staff, guided to the sensory room—and surprised by Snickers, one of the airport system’s certified therapy dogs. The visit sparked smiles, laughter and a sense of calm when comfort mattered most. RELATED | This is how you turn a layover into a lifeline“Everything was so thoughtful,” said one teacher traveling with the group. “From the quiet space to the therapy dog visit—it felt like someone had planned this journey with our students in mind.”They had.All 1,300 Houston Airports employees have completed training through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program, an international initiative that helps staff recognize and assist travelers with non-visible disabilities. Passengers wearing the lanyard signal that they may need extra time, support—or simply patience. That awareness is now embedded across teams, from security checkpoints to concessions.Houston Airports leadership believes these efforts are about more than accommodation. They’re about dignity. About making sure every passenger feels seen, supported and welcome.Even therapy dogs like Snickers are part of the experience. Through regular visits, these four-legged ambassadors offer calm, joy and connection—reminding passengers they’re not alone, even in a crowded terminal.Autism Awareness Month is about more than symbolism. It’s about recognizing that autism exists on a broad spectrum—and that neurodiverse individuals experience the world and travel in different ways. By making air travel more inclusive, Houston Airports is helping remove barriers, reduce stress and make the journey better for everyone.LEARN MORE | Accessible travel at Bush AirportLEARN MORE | Accessible travel at Hobby Airport