"We are focused on improving the overall passenger experience at the airport – from parking and traffic to providing modern terminals with the right amenities. This project is a major investment in our city's future," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire.
A look at the architectural ceiling inside the new IAH Terminal D-West Pier which spans more than 10,000 sq. feet and is inspired by sunlight filtered through live oak trees in Houston.
HOUSTON – Passengers flying out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on Tuesday, October 22, will be the first to experience the new Terminal D-West Pier, an expansion of the existing Terminal D.
This highly anticipated airport expansion features six new gates—D1 through D6—that can simultaneously accommodate wide-body aircraft and can be converted to accommodate 10 narrow-body airplanes. This significant expansion will support increasing demand from passengers and airlines while enhancing the overall travel experience, further solidifying Bush Airport's position as a major global aviation hub.
"We are focused on improving the overall passenger experience at the airport – from parking and traffic to providing modern terminals with the right amenities. This project is a major investment in our city's future," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. "The newly expanded international terminal enhances Houston's reputation as a world-class city and provides a boost to our economy, supporting jobs and attracting more visitors from around the globe."
The opening of the Terminal D expansion marks a major step forward in the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), a $1.458 billion investment aimed at modernizing the airport's international travel capabilities. ITRP is the single largest capital improvement project developed by Houston Airports and includes three main components:
1. A refresh of the existing Terminal D (completed in 2023)
2. An expansion of Terminal D with a new D-West Pier (fall 2024)
3. A new International Central Processor (winter 2024 & summer 2025)
"We are excited to share this milestone with the residents of Houston," said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. "The opening of the Terminal D-West Pier is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our partners. This world-class facility will provide a seamless and efficient travel experience for millions of passengers each year. The new pier will provide the necessary capacity so that Houston can continue to attract more nonstop flights to cities around the globe."
Construction to expand Terminal D began in November 2019 with the demolition of the old IAH Terminal C-North facility. Demolition was completed in the summer of 2020. More than 3,000 people spent more than one million hours on the construction project, which took place in a live operations environment with zero lost-time injuries.
By the Numbers | IAH Terminal D Expansion
• The D-West Pier adds 160,000 sq. feet to Terminal D.
• Terminal D is now 499,650 sq. feet - three times bigger than the field at Minute Maid Park.
• A 10,000 sq. foot architectural ceiling is inspired by sunlight filtered through live oak trees in Houston.
• A 380-foot-long LED Feature Wall provides airfield views and ambient lighting.
• 250 newly hired employees will work among 16 new retail and dining concessions concepts in the Terminal D-West Pier.
• 8 new art commissions feature works created by Houston-based artists inspired by the Bayou City.
Amenities | IAH Terminal D Expansion
The new Terminal D-West Pier will include a Mother's Room, Sensory Room, Child's Play area and Men's, Women's and Family restrooms. The restrooms utilize smart technology sensors that trigger soap and water. Door locks alert to whether a restroom stall is vacant or occupied and soft LED lighting accentuates floor-to-ceiling photography spotlighting Houston's natural beauty.
An International Arrivals corridor provides views of the airfield, the concourse and large-scale photography inspired by Houston.
More than modern and comfortable 500 seats, including chairs, cushioned benches and cozy loungers, feature cup holders and charging capabilities.
Concessions | IAH Terminal D Expansion
The IAH Terminal D-West Pier includes space for 16 concessions concepts, creating 250 new jobs.
Houston Supply Co. opened in August 2024. Local restaurants The Kitchen and The Annie, along with trusted national brands Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jamba Juice, Be Relax, Jetero Market, Semi-Sweet Confectionary and a LEGO Store will open for business on October 22.
An iShoppes duty-free store will open in November, ahead of Thanksgiving. Local favorite Velvet Taco will open in 2025 along with two additional iShoppes duty-free concepts, Hip and Humble and Urban Crave as more airlines transition flights to Gates D1-D6.
What's Next
Houston Airports is working to improve traffic flow around Bush Airport. More good news is expected to be announced in November and December.
ABOUT THE NEW INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL AT IAH | With two-thirds of the international rehabilitation and expansion program complete, the final and third leg of construction—a new International Central Processor (ICP) is set to be completed in two phases in winter 2025 and summer 2025. United Airlines will move its Terminal E operations to the ICP in phase one and the international airlines will move to the ICP in phase two. The ICP will house ticketing counters, baggage claims and a 17-lane security checkpoint that will be one of the largest in the country. The $1.458 billion ITRP will accommodate international airline growth, resolve current and future roadway and curbside capacity constraints and vastly improve the baggage handling system.
RELATED | Learn more about the new IAH Terminal D-West Pier
RELATED | New IAH Terminal D-West to be a foodie and shopper's paradise