HOUSTON – On Wednesday, May 29, Houston City Council unanimously approved a lease agreement that allows Southwest Airlines to lease two parcels of land at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The leased space supports plans for Southwest Airlines to build and operate a General Use Building that will provide ample space for airplanes, cargo and equipment maintenance, offices, training and other activities related to Southwest’s operations at Hobby Airport.

The new lease terminates an old lease on the property that houses Southwest's former maintenance hangar. Once the General Use Building is built, Southwest will relocate from the former maintenance hangar, and at that time, Houston Airports will develop and expand ecopark parking for passengers.

The immediate need for the additional lease seeks to support the development of more than 500 additional ecopark parking spaces at Hobby Airport, the only 5-Star Skytrax airport in North America. 

“Hobby Airport is poised for growth, so as Houston Airports carefully plans for the future, it’s imperative that we consider all infrastructure necessary to supporting our passengers and Southwest Airlines,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “A new facility allows Southwest Airlines to expand the support facilities needed to sustain its continued growth in Houston, one of the airline’s most popular hubs. As for our passengers, we recognize that their airport experience begins when they consider how and where they will park. It’s crucial that Houston Airports continue to develop affordable parking options that invite our passengers to park efficiently, safely and just minutes from the front door of Hobby Airport, where our team is ready to welcome them 5-Star service.”

Houston Airports continues to work with Southwest Airlines to expand its footprint at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) with a 7-gate expansion of the West Concourse that also includes additional baggage carousels and a canopy that protects airport guests as they move from the terminal to the Red Parking Garage. 

“Southwest’s substantial capital expenditure in the General Use Building signifies the airline’s strong commitment to the city of Houston,” said Steve Sisneros, Vice President of Airport Affairs at Southwest Airlines. “With construction estimated to be completed in 2029, this investment includes numerous new jobs, and we hope Southwest’s growth will contribute to continued economic growth for Houston.”