HOUSTON – Houston Airports achieved new heights in 2024, as revealed during the inaugural State of the Airports address of Jim Szczesniak, who was appointed director of aviation by Houston City Council in February 2024. The annual address, hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership at the Marriott Marquis in Downtown Houston on December 5, showcased record-breaking achievements, bold innovations and a transformative vision for the future. 

“Houston’s airports do far more than move passengers from point A to point B. They are critical assets that shape our quality of life, enable global business, and provide Houston with a competitive edge," said Steve Kean, president & chief executive officer, Greater Houston Partnership.

Houston Airports operates and manages George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Ellington Airport (EFD) and the Houston Spaceport.

"We are more than just runways and terminals," Szczesniak told an audience of 640 people. "We are the heartbeat of this city, a gateway to the world and an economic engine that drives Houston's prosperity.

Economic Impact: A $40 billion driver of Houston's growth

New data from a 2024 Economic Impact Study still being finalized highlights the critical role Houston's airports play in the region's economy:

•           $40 billion annual economic impact

•           208,000 jobs supported, generating $13.2 billion in labor income

•           $13 billion in cargo-related output

•           534,123 metric tons of air cargo moved through Houston in 2023

For the first time, the study also detailed the contributions of Ellington Airport and the Houston Spaceport:

•           Ellington supports 7,524 jobs and contributes $2 billion annually to the region's economy.

•           The Houston Spaceport, home to tenants such as Axiom Space, Collins Aerospace and Intuitive Machines, is helping advance NASA's Artemis program with over $10 billion in aerospace contracts.

"Houston Airports is putting 'space' back in Space City," Szczesniak said. "We're building resources, developing talent and ensuring Houston remains a global leader in aerospace innovation."

Acknowledging challenges and focusing on passengers

Szczesniak addressed the ongoing construction projects at Bush Airport, acknowledging the challenges for some travelers.

"If you and your family had a less-than-ideal experience at Bush Airport due to construction, I am sorry," Szczesniak said. "We are learning from these challenges and committed to improving as we move forward. The improvements we're making today are promises to our passengers that their experience matters."

Szczesniak laid out the innovative tools Houston Airports uses to reimagine the travel experience.

This Thanksgiving, Houston Airports reduced heavy traffic at Bush Airport by 80%, and severe traffic dropped by 55%, thanks to initiatives such as reopening key lanes, adding "active loading" zones and implementing a cashless parking system with license plate recognition technology.

The Passenger Journey Scorecard, a real-time data app created by Houston Airports for internal use, tracks metrics such as traffic flow, TSA wait times and passenger sentiment, allowing staff to make tactical decisions and improve resource allocation.

"This tool is a game-changer," Szczesniak said. "It's helping us manage our business smarter while delivering a better experience for our passengers."

Renovated restrooms in IAH Terminals A and D drove restroom satisfaction ratings from 83% in November 2023 to 92% this Thanksgiving, while Hobby Airport saw satisfaction climb from 92% to 95%. These upgrades are part of a $30 million modernization effort across both airports.

Global connectivity and the road to the 2026 World Cup

Houston Airports continues to grow its network, connecting Houston to 195 destinations worldwide, with more destinations coming soon.

•           United Airlines: New nonstop routes to Medellín, Colombia, Georgetown, Guyana and Edmonton, Canada.

•           ZipAir: First long-haul, low-cost route from Houston to Tokyo starting March 2025.

•           Southwest Airlines: Resuming nonstop service to Seattle in 2025.

•           Allegiant Air: New service to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

These connections position Houston as a key player in global travel, paving the way for events like the 2026 World Cup and the World Baseball Classic, bringing millions of international visitors to the city.

"Houston Airports is helping bring the world to Houston," Szczesniak said. "These routes aren't just flights; they're opportunities to build business, grow tourism and showcase Houston on the global stage."

Infrastructure: Building for the future

Nearly $5 billion in active construction projects are transforming Bush and Hobby Airports into world-class facilities that will support the future of aviation. 

•           IAH Mickey Leland International Terminal: Opening in two phases in 2025, the new international terminal will feature eight lower-level lanes, 11 upper-level lanes, a 17-lane TSA checkpoint and a stunning Dale Chihuly glass sculpture already installed for international passengers to enjoy.

•           IAH Terminal B Transformation: This project will support United Airlines' future growth by modernizing one of Bush Airport's oldest terminals, adding more gates, a new ticketing and baggage hall and United Airlines' largest lounge. The transformation will be complete in fall 2026.

•           HOU West Concourse Expansion: To support the continued growth of Southwest Airlines, HOU will expand by seven new gates, a new baggage handling system and a transformed baggage claim area that will feature expansive skylights and natural light. This will complement North America's first and only 5-star Skytrax airport.

"We are building bigger and better terminals to support Houston's starring role on the global stage," Szczesniak said. "Every investment we make is a promise to our passengers that their experience matters."

Sustainability: Leading the way

In 2024, Houston Airports achieved Level 2 of the voluntary ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation, reducing emissions by 16% at Bush and 22% at Hobby since 2019 through smart investments in energy-efficiency projects, LED lighting and a new central utility plant at Hobby Airport. 

Recognizing the team behind the success

Szczesniak praised the hard work and dedication of 1,300 Houston Airports employees, partners and contractors who have contributed to the airport system's achievements.

"Our success is built on the strength of our team," Szczesniak said. "From our custodians to engineers, everyone works tirelessly to make Houston Airports a world-class gateway for our passengers."

Aviation Director Szczesniak's inaugural address was followed by a fireside chat with a retired NASA Astronaut and current Intuitive Machines Senior Vice President of Production & Operations, Jack "2Fish" Fischer, making this a one-of-a-kind event.