HOUSTON – Houston Airports is working with Southwest Airlines to transition air service after it made the difficult decision to cease operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Southwest Airlines today reported its first quarter 2024 financial results.
Bob Jordan, President and Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Airlines stated, "While it is disappointing to incur a first quarter loss, we exited the quarter with healthy profits and margins in the month of March. We are focused on controlling what we can control and have already taken swift action to address our financial underperformance and adjust for revised aircraft delivery expectations.”
"To improve our financial performance, we have intensified our network optimization efforts to address underperforming markets. Consequently, we have made the difficult decision to close our operations at Bellingham International Airport, Cozumel International Airport, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport.”
Southwest Airlines confirmed flights in and out of Bush Airport will cease on August 4, 2024.
“Houston Airports is now in conversation with other domestic air carriers who want to expand service at Bush Airport, an airport that welcomed record passenger travel in 2023,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “Houston Airports and Southwest Airlines have a shared track record of success. Next month, we will break ground on the $470 million Southwest Airlines expansion at William P. Hobby Airport. Additional gates, baggage claim carousels, and amenities will continue to elevate the passenger experience of the first and only 5-Star Skytrax airport in North America while underscoring the exceptional customer service delivered by Southwest Airlines.”
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About Houston Airports | Houston Airports is the City of Houston’s Department of Aviation. Comprised of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH, William P. Hobby Airport, HOU, and Ellington Airport/Houston Spaceport, EFD, Houston Airports served 60.1 million passengers in 2023. Houston Airports positions Houston as the international passenger and cargo gateway to the South-Central United States and is a primary gateway to Latin America.