Top Story

Top Story

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.”

HOU Restroom 1

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.

IAH Restrooms 1

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

Read full article
Press Releases
Articles
Newsletters
Media center

Latest UpdatesRecent Articles

View all

For the mediaPress Releases

View all
Jun 4, 2025
Houston Airports launches mobile-first website to support record passenger growth
May 22, 2025
Houston Airports wins three Telly Awards for standout storytelling
May 22, 2025
Allegiant begins nonstop service from Houston to Gulf Shores, AL
May 19, 2025
Houston Airports anticipates busy Memorial Day, summer travel season

Stay in the knowNewsletters

View all
April 2025 Connections
From a new sensory room at IAH to a Wings for All event at HOU, April showcased our commitment to inclusive travel. We marked big strides on the Terminal B Transformation Project, debuted new local dining at HOU and Houston Airports garnered global attention for its award-winning experience.
March 2025 Connections
Spring is in the air—and so is progress. This month, we’re spotlighting the results of our first major travel surge of 2025, how creative collaborations are turning heads with vibrant Art Cars, and how one high school student is making a difference as a Volunteer Ambassador.Plus, see how our team came together to create a personalized experience for a group of students with autism traveling internationally. Read how Houston Airports is making Connections. ✈️
Connections | February 2025
From groundbreaking construction to world-class customer experiences, Houston Airports is setting the stage for a transformative year.This month, Connections takes you inside the major upgrades at Bush Airport’s Terminal E and Terminal B and the latest enhancements making Hobby Airport even more passenger-friendly. Plus, we’re spotlighting the hidden champions behind our seamless operations and celebrating the innovative efforts driving Houston’s leadership in global air travel.Fasten your seatbelts—Houston Airports is reaching new heights! ✈️
Connections | January 2025
From record-breaking passenger numbers to iconic art installations, Houston Airports is soaring into 2025 with unstoppable momentum. This month, Connections takes you inside our biggest milestones—including a landmark economic impact, game-changing upgrades at Bush and Hobby airports and a celebration of the passion and dedication that fuel our world-class passenger experience. Plus, we’re counting down to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and unveiling exciting new sustainability initiatives. Buckle up, Houston—this is just the beginning! ✈️

Houston AirportsIn the News

Facts and Figures More Information