From terminals to toilets, Houston Airports raises the bar

In a move to modernize one of the most essential parts of the travel experience, Houston Airports is investing $30 million to upgrade restrooms at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

On May 28, Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak briefed the Houston City Council’s Economic Development Committee on a sweeping $30 million project to renovate more than 40 restrooms at Bush and Hobby airports. The initiative, backed by $10 million in federal infrastructure grants, directly answers Mayor John Whitmire’s call to improve the travel experience for millions of passengers moving through the city’s airports annually.

“This is about dignity, cleanliness and delivering on our promise to be a premier 5-star global air service gateway,” Szczesniak told council members. “When a traveler walks into a Houston airport restroom, we want them to feel the difference—that they’re in a world-class city that takes pride in every detail.”

The project, already underway, opened its latest newly upgraded restrooms near Gates 24–27 at Hobby Airport earlier this year. At Bush Airport, renovations are advancing in Terminals A and D and the international arrivals corridor, with the project’s completion projected in 2027.

In October 2024, Houston City Council appropriated $10 million for IAH Terminal A Restrooms, and then in November 2024, Council appropriated $4.5 million for the Terminal D Restrooms.

United Airlines is also meeting the moment. As part of its $2.55 billion Terminal B Transformation, United has committed to upgrading restrooms in Terminal B as part of the $2.6 billion IAH Terminal B Transformation. The airline is also finalizing project details to start updating restrooms in Terminals C and E in December 2025. The renovations will align with the airport system’s design standards, prioritizing accessibility, sustainability and a consistently high-quality experience across all terminals.

The modernized restrooms feature:

• Full-height stalls large enough to fit a carry-on suitcase.
• Occupancy sensors and smart dispensers that notify custodians in real time of impending supply shortages.
• ADA enhancements, backlit mirrors and energy-efficient lighting.
• Thoughtfully placed custodial closets to speed up response times.

Passenger response has been swift and positive. In the first quarter of 2025, more than 5 million passengers used restrooms at IAH and another 3 million at HOU. Feedback tablets at restroom exits show a 93% satisfaction rate at Bush and 95% at Hobby.

The timeline ahead:

• IAH Terminal A: 26 restrooms, including family and companion care rooms, by Q2 2027
• IAH Terminal D and International Arrivals Corridor: 9 restrooms total by Q3 2026
• HOU: Departures and ticketing restrooms completed in Phases 2 and 3 by Q3 2026

“This is how we deliver a better passenger experience—from curb to gate,” Szczesniak said. “It’s not just construction. It’s a recommitment to our vision: to be a source of pride for Houstonians and the actively preferred choice for connecting passengers.” The renovations are part of a broader strategy to align legacy infrastructure with the sleek, modern design of the new IAH international terminal—an effort that signals Houston’s intent to lead in global aviation, one upgrade at a time.

LEARN MORE | $30 million makeover: Major restroom upgrades coming to Houston's airports