The Houston Airport System experienced history-making success in 2015. Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz will discuss those accomplishments, the future of air transportation and long-term planning for the Houston Airports during his 2016 State of the Airports address, hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership.

Attendees can expect a substantial and stimulating presentation during this year’s address that will be held at the Omni Houston Galleria on March 21 at 11:30 a.m. The annual event sells out quickly; registration is currently open, click here for more information.

Houston Airports are absolutely essential to the overall success of the nation’s fourth-largest city. The airports system has an economic impact of $27.5 billion on the region and connects Houston to almost 200 destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Houston Airports experienced a banner year in 2015. Astounding growth was met at all three airports. Commercial passenger traffic reached a record-high of 55.1 million, and international passenger totals increased by eight percent. 

The airports are expanding capacity to accommodate this growth; the following projects and more will be detailed at the address:

- With an annual economic impact of more than $22 billion, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the only airport in the Western Hemisphere to offer nonstop air service to all six inhabited continental regions.  In 2015, the airport system welcomed five new foreign flag carriers and will begin laying the framework to accommodate this increase in traffic with the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program.

- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) welcomed the return of international service for the first time in more than 40 years when Southwest Airlines began nonstop service to destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2015. To accompany the new five-gate international concourse, the airport system is opening a four-level, 3,000 space parking garage, undergoing a beautification program that will enhance the entry into the airport as well as terminal upgrades.

- At Ellington Airport (EFD), the focus is on development. The airport system recently announced plans to purchase a building that will house a manufacturing and general office facility for aerospace engineering tenants. Ellington became home to the nation’s 10 commercial spaceport, and this facility will be the first dedicated infrastructure for the Houston Spaceport project.

For more information or to register for the 2016 State of the Airports, please click here.