HOUSTON-- Houston Airports is proud to announce the opening of the International Arrivals Curb, a new pick-up area that will unclog the exit to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). When it opens at 5 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, this significant piece of infrastructure will improve traffic flow and the passenger experience by addressing past challenges that garnered negative attention.

Since January 2022, people have dealt with cramped, chaotic conditions at the temporary Terminal E pick-up zone on South Terminal Road. The temporary curb was needed so Houston Airports could advance construction of the $1.458 billion international terminal.

The new International Arrivals Curb directly addresses passenger challenges with eight dedicated pick-up lanes, expanded capacity and a modern design that prioritizes safety and efficiency. Six of its eight lanes debut in time for December holiday travel, with the remaining two lanes opening in January 2025. 

The closure of the temporary Terminal E curb will return the airport exit to its original four-lane configuration and remove the bottleneck that has slowed traffic since 2022. 

"The bane of our existence—the temporary Terminal E arrivals curb—will finally close on December 14," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. "With the opening of the new International Arrivals Curb, we’ve listened to feedback, addressed frustrations and delivered a safer, more streamlined solution. This marks a new chapter in how we serve our passengers, fulfilling our commitment to providing a world-class experience while laying the groundwork for the future of international travel in Houston."  

Navigating the new IAH International Arrivals Curb
From North Terminal Road, drivers will follow the signs for Terminals C/DE. Signage will then signal to the Terminal E International Arrivals Curb. Signage will direct vehicles toward the left of North Terminal Road, where a dedicated lane, separated from traffic by a barrier, will guide vehicles off North Terminal Road and onto the new International Arrivals Curb. Houston Airports Landside Agents and law enforcement will direct drivers to their respective pick-up points: private vehicles, taxis and ride shares.

Passengers who clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection will exit into the International Arrivals 'Meet and Greet' area and then follow a new hallway out to the new International Arrivals Curb. Airport workers will then guide passengers to the needed pick-up location. At that point, passengers should order a ride through a ride-share app, hail a taxi from the taxi stand or alert their family member or friend that they are ready to be picked up.

Celebrating the new curb with a special “international” guest
Houston Airports, in partnership with Intuitive Machines, invited the Moon RACER to test drive the new curb on Thursday, December 12. The lunar rover--developed at the Houston Spaceport--is a finalist for a NASA contract under the Artemis campaign, which seeks to return astronauts to the moon by 2028.

"Houston’s identity as Space City is built on a foundation of innovation, connectivity and bold ambitions," said Jack Fischer, VP of Intuitive Machines and retired NASA astronaut. "As Intuitive Machines competes in humankind’s next space race, having seamless global connections is critical for our team and the growing network of aerospace companies in Houston. This terminal is more than an infrastructure project; it’s a gateway to the future of exploration, innovation and discovery."

Why the Moon RACER?
Bush Airport opened in June 1969 with a handful of international destinations, just as man prepared to land on the moon. Today, 55 years later, Bush Airport is preparing to open its new international terminal, which offers nonstop flights to 195 destinations across five continents. Intuitive Machines is working to not only return man to the moon but also create the technology needed for man to roam the lunar surface.