Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, delivered a comprehensive update on the status and future of Houston’s airport facilities to the Houston City Council Economic Development Committee (EDC) on Wednesday, July 17. 

“We’re excited about our Houston Airports update,” said Martha Castex-Tatum, Mayor Pro Tem and Chair of the EDC. Szczesniak’s presentation outlined the significant progress and ambitious plans aimed at bolstering the airport system's capacity and enhancing passenger experience.

Szczesniak began with an overview of Houston Airports, which include George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), and Ellington Airport (EFD). Highlighting their economic impact, he noted that Houston Airports handled 60.1 million passengers in 2023 and contributed $36.4 billion to the local economy in 2019, supporting 190,000 jobs. An economic impact study, expected to be completed by year-end, will further quantify their contributions, including those of the Houston Spaceport, which now hosts three anchor tenants.

The presentation showcased recent accolades, such as Hobby Airport maintaining its 5-star Skytrax rating and being named the Best Regional Airport in North America. Bush Intercontinental also retained its 4-star Skytrax rating and was recognized for its top-tier dining experiences.

MORE | Houston Airports maintains 5-Star rating at Hobby Airport, 4-Star rating at Bush Airport in 2024

Szczesniak emphasized the importance of monitoring passenger experiences in real-time, leveraging data from multiple sources to proactively address issues. This approach includes tracking restroom cleanliness, roadway traffic, Wi-Fi quality, TSA checkpoint wait times, and more, ensuring swift responses to enhance the overall travel experience.

Significant achievements in managing airport traffic during peak travel seasons were also highlighted. Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, 1.3 million passengers passed through Houston’s airports, marking a 7% increase from 2023. For the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend, Houston Airports welcomed 1.7 million passengers. These figures underscore Houston's ranking among Forbes Advisor's Top 10 Best U.S. Cities for Summer Travel.

“Bush and Hobby airports are huge economic engines,” said Joaquin Martinez, Council Member for District I. “They support our city in so many different ways.”

To accommodate this surge, Houston Airports has implemented several measures, including hiring additional law enforcement officers, extending overtime for CBP officers, onboarding 40 new landside agents, and optimizing traffic flow with QR codes and improved signage. Moreover, more than 600 new parking spaces were recently added at the IAH C/D/E parking garage.

WATCH | July 17 Economic Development Committee Meeting

Looking ahead, Szczesniak detailed several key development projects:

• IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP): A $1.458 billion investment focused on modernizing Terminal D and constructing the new D-West Pier, slated for completion in Summer 2024. This will include new concessions, commissioned art, and enhanced passenger processing facilities.
• HOU West Concourse Expansion: A $470 million project to expand terminal capacity and improve amenities, expected to bolster the airport's ability to handle increased passenger volumes.
• Restroom Renovations at IAH and HOU: A $30 million investment to upgrade restroom facilities, incorporating smart technology and better ADA compliance, with phased completion by 2026.
• Central Utilities Plant Renovation: A $134 million project to enhance capacity and reliability, set to begin in August 2025.

Szczesniak also touched on the future needs to accommodate forecasted growth, with passenger numbers projected to increase by 38% by 2033 and 99% by 2050. This necessitates continuous expansion and modernization efforts to meet the rising demand.

The presentation concluded with upcoming council actions, including bond financing and lease amendments to support these extensive projects. Szczesniak reaffirmed the commitment of Houston Airports to enhancing infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and driving economic growth.

“I think you’re doing a heck of job,” said Council Member Abbie Kamin, who represents District C. 

LEARN MORE | Redevelopment Projects at Houston Airports