With passengers as its priority, Houston Airports announces a substantial restroom renovation project. Enhanced efficiency, comfort and convenience are now coming soon.
“Houston Airports joins Mayor Whitmire in a shared strategic priority to make our passengers happy. Earlier this year, the mayor challenged Houston Airports to prioritize the renovation of our aging restrooms at both airports,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “We are committed to exceeding expectations and ensuring that Houston Airports offers a world-class travel experience for all passengers. The restroom renovation project is a significant step toward achieving that goal.”
Houston Airports is moving forward with a $23 million phased renovation of restrooms at Bush Airport and $8 million in phased renovations of restrooms at Hobby Airport.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Houston Airports about $10 million in grants funded by the Biden-Harris Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding will help to renovate restrooms at Hobby Airport and replace outdated and inefficient men’s, women’s and family restrooms throughout Terminals A and D. The restrooms at Bush Airport are about 20 years old.
"This phased renovation will improve the airport guest experience, help us meet increasing passenger demand and signal our commitment to investing in critical infrastructure,” said Szczesniak. “Financial support from the FAA ensures Houston's airports remain healthy economic engines as demand for air travel grows."
The modernization of facilities at Bush and Hobby airports will provide a better airport experience for millions and millions of travelers annually.
- Houston Airports has plans to replace flooring, walls, stalls, lighting, sinks and counters in each restroom.
- Houston Airports is leveraging the latest technology to provide the most efficient, intuitive and functional experience. Occupancy sensors will be installed above each full-height stall. Technology within soap and paper towel dispensers will alert airport staff to low supply.
- Custodial closets will be smartly positioned next to the restrooms for an efficient response to passenger needs, and each restroom will better meet ADA requirements.
- Restroom stalls will also be bigger. Each stall will include space for a carry-on suitcase and a shelf for personal belongings.
- Mirrors along the counters will be backlit with energy-efficient LED lighting, and new artwork and murals will create a sense of place that mirrors the carefully curated ambiance throughout Houston’s airports.
The multi-million-dollar construction project will also include the addition of a Companion Care Changing Room in Terminal A. Companion Care Changing Rooms are already in space inside Terminal D and at Hobby Airport.
IAH Terminal A | ~24 months to complete
• 18 Restrooms (9 men’s and 9 women’s)
• 7 Family Restrooms
• 1 new Companion Care Changing Room
IAH Terminal D | ~14 months to complete
• 5 Restrooms (2 men’s, 3 women’s)
• 1 Restrooms in the Mother’s Room
IAH Sterile Corridor | ~12 months to complete
(Secured hallway that connects international Arrivals to Customs)
• 2 Restrooms (1 men’s, 1 women’s)
• 1 Family Restrooms
Houston Airports anticipates construction at IAH will begin before the end of 2024. Construction at IAH and HOU is thoughtfully phased to ensure that restroom facilities are open and accessible in all terminals.
HOU Restroom Renovation is currently in Phase 2 of 3 | 18 months more to complete
• 9 Restrooms in Departures (3 men’s, 3 women’s and 3 Family)
• 9 Restrooms in Ticketing Lobby (3 men’s, 3 women’s and 3 Family)
FAA grants and Houston Airports will fund the multi-million-dollar renovation projects.
"In 2023, Houston Airports welcomed a record 60.1 million passengers, with a vast majority flying through Bush Airport,” said Szczesniak. “It’s imperative that Houston Airports continue to improve existing infrastructure to meet increasing demand while aligning our terminals to meet the modern and sustainable design of the new IAH international terminal. The end result of these projects will be a more resilient and sustainable airport system that delivers an efficient passenger experience from curb to gate.”
IAH Terminals B, C, and E Restrooms | As United Airlines moves forward with its $2.55 billion IAH Terminal B Transformation, United has also agreed to renovate its restrooms in IAH Terminals C and E to align with restroom renovations done by Houston Airports.