Welcome toGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport

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.

Houston Airports is enhancing its ground transportation system this summer with new shuttles, smarter scheduling and infrastructure upgrades designed to make getting to and from the terminal faster, cleaner and more comfortable.A $7 million investment has brought 36 new shuttles to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), replacing the aging fleet that serves the original ecopark lot off JFK Boulevard. The upgraded vehicles are quieter, more spacious and better equipped to handle rising passenger volumes.Shuttle service to the IAH Rental Car Center is also being optimized. Houston Airports is increasing the number of active shuttles from 15 to 18 during peak hours, including evenings and weekends, to cut down on wait times and better match passenger demand.“We’re focused on making every part of the journey more seamless—from where travelers park to when they enter the terminal,” said Walt Gray, director of parking and ground transportation for Houston Airports. “These upgrades help us deliver on our promise of a world-class airport experience.”The improvements extend beyond vehicles. Houston Airports is power washing the arrival and departure curbs. Passengers will also notice new covered canopies for charter buses and rental car shuttles at pickup points, which provide welcome shade from Houston’s summer heat and shelter from sudden storms.These upgrades support the airport system’s long-term modernization efforts and align with its vision to establish the Houston Airport System as a premier 5-star global air service gateway, a source of pride for Houstonians and the actively preferred choice for connecting passengers.