HOUSTON – Houston Airports maintains its 5-Star Skytrax rating at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and 4-Star rating at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in 2024. The announcement came during the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards in Frankfurt, Germany on Wednesday, April 17. 

Skytrax is a premier international air transport rating organization that classifies airlines and airports by the quality of product and staff service standards. The ratings result from an annual audit. Here's what Skytrax auditors commented after visiting Bush and Hobby airports in February 2024: 

“Houston IAH continues to enhance terminal services and facilities in cooperation with its major hub carrier United Airlines. The airport has a broad range of dining choices which represents the best of local Texan food culture as well as many national and international brands. There is an extensive city art program in place around the airport, and in Terminals A and D, customers may also enjoy daily live music from Harmony in the Air.

“Hobby Airport delivers an excellent customer experience across frontline areas and customers will find upgraded interior décor finishes, new play areas for children and enhanced nursery facilities for families. There is a broad range of seat choices, and charging sockets and free fast Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The airport has very efficient processing for key formalities at security and immigration, and this is reinforced by short walking distances for departure, arrival, and transfer flights. Dining is provided from a range of local and national brands and offers a good choice and quality.”

Hobby Airport became the first and only 5-Star Skytrax airport in North America in 2022. Today, Hobby Airport is among 20 airports worldwide, and the only airport in North America with a 5-Star Skytrax rating. Bush Airport maintains its 4-Star Skytrax rating for a seventh consecutive year.  

“Houston Airports serves as an economic engine for the City of Houston and a global hub that connects our passengers to every corner of the world. These rankings reaffirm and recognize the strategic improvements our team continues to make for an enhanced guest experience” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “Our airports are home to the World’s Best Art & Entertainment program, excellent customer service and a team of employees committed to delivering a world-class airport experience each time, every time.”  

Other notable wins at the 2024 World Airport Awards:

• Houston Airports has the 2024 World’s Best Airport Art & Entertainment Program
• Bush & Hobby airports rank among the Top 40 Best Airports in the World
• Bush & Hobby airports rank among the Top 3 Best Airports in the World - Based on Passenger Volume
• IAH ranks among the Top 10 World's Best Airport Dining Experiences 
• Hobby Airport is the Best Regional Airport in North America (third consecutive win)
• Hobby Airport is the 4th Best Regional Airport in the World
• Hobby Airports ranks among the Top 8 World's Best Airport Staff in North America 

 These categories of the 2024 World Airport Awards were voted on by passengers through the largest annual global customer satisfaction survey. According to Skytrax, airport customers were surveyed between August 2023 and March 2024. Airports do not pay to be included in the survey. 

“Houston is a global city, and our airports provide outstanding service to millions of travelers annually. Hobby and Bush help us put our best foot forward for people traveling for leisure or business and The Skytrax honors confirm the dedication to detail and commitment to customer service prioritized by Houston Airports and its 1,200 city employees,” said Kelly Woodward, Chief Operating Officer of Houston Airports. “Another year of 5-Star and 4-Star ratings is proof that Houston Airports is moving in a positive direction where safety, cleanliness and efficiency are prioritized and our airports mirror the signature experience of our global city – an experience rooted in warmth, hospitality and a celebration of all cultures.”  

“We congratulate Hobby Airport on their repeat success as the Best Regional Airport in North America, which is a remarkable display of consistency and customer service excellence,” said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax.