Welcome toWilliam P. Hobby Airport

When Hurricane Beryl tore into the Texas Gulf Coast in July 2024, it wasn’t just another storm. Beryl slammed ashore as a deadly hurricane, knocking out power to more than 2 million homes and businesses, crippling critical infrastructure and forcing both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to halt operations. For Houston Airports, it was a defining test — and a stark reminder of how quickly a major storm can unravel even the most carefully orchestrated operations.“We see every storm as a chance to get stronger,” said Scott Hill, deputy director of infrastructure for Houston Airports. “Beryl exposed gaps, but it also gave us a clear roadmap for how to improve.”In the 12 months since Beryl, Houston Airports has launched targeted upgrades, many of them invisible to passengers, but critical to keeping the airport system moving when severe weather strikes again.Portable power, on demandOne of the most visible lessons came on the roadways leading to Bush Airport. As traffic signals failed and curbside areas grew chaotic, officials turned to a surprisingly nimble solution: Ford F-150 Lightning trucks.Originally purchased as part of the airport system’s commitment to sustainability, the electric pickups were quickly repurposed as mobile power generators. Crews used them to power traffic lights and keep traffic flowing even as much of the region remained dark.“That was a real-world test for us,” Hill said. “During Beryl, we used the Lightnings to keep key intersections powered. That kept traffic moving and got employees and passengers where they needed to be. Now, it’s part of our standard playbook.”In addition to the Ford Lightnings, Houston Airports secured new pre-storm generator contracts, allowing portable units to be staged on site before any system enters the Gulf.“When you lose power, every minute counts,” Hill said. “The goal is to stay operational, not just recover.”Houston Airports has also changed its protocols around electric vehicle usage during hurricanes. Employees and travelers are now encouraged to fully charge their electric vehicles ahead of landfall to maximize flexibility and assist others if needed.Clearing risks before the wind blowsIn airfield operations, one of the quietest but most impactful changes began immediately after Beryl.“In aviation, debris is the enemy,” said Angel Santos, who leads the IAH airside operations and maintenance division for Houston Airports. “Fallen trees, unsecured equipment and loose materials are major hazards during high winds.”In the months before the 2025 hurricane season, crews removed more than 100 dead or compromised trees along airport roadways and airfield zones. The removals are part of a long-term tree management program to reduce projectile risks before hurricane-force winds arrive.“That’s 100 fewer things we have to worry about flying across our roadways or tarmacs,” Santos said. “Prevention happens before the storm shows up.”At Terminal A, Houston Airports replaced aging jet bridges with an eye on long-term resiliency.“The new bridges aren’t just newer, they’re smarter,” Santos said. “Every one of them now includes hurricane-grade tie-down systems to better anchor the bridges during high winds. It’s a detail most people never notice, but one that makes a huge difference when a storm arrives.”The added reinforcements reduce the risk of bridges being damaged, dislodged or rendered unsafe during sustained tropical winds.Hobby Airport’s approach: precision and preventionAt Hobby Airport, many of Beryl's lessons translated into rapid upgrades.“We’ve been aggressive about identifying and removing any compromised trees that could become projectiles during a wind event,” said Jude Nwambuonwo, division manager of HOU terminal maintenance for Houston Airports. “Every tree we trim or remove is one less hazard for passengers, staff and critical infrastructure.”Drainage was another focus. Like IAH, Hobby maintenance crews turned summer storms into live exercises.“We don’t wait for the hurricane to tell us whether our drainage works,” Nwambuonwo said. “We use routine summer storms as live tests of our lift stations and pumping systems. That way, when the Gulf heats up, we’re not guessing.”Hobby’s terminal roofs also received targeted repairs ahead of the 2025 hurricane season.“We’ve made targeted roof repairs across terminal buildings to prevent water intrusion before it becomes a problem,” Nwambuonwo said. “Leaks may sound minor, but one compromised roof section can shut down a gate or entire terminal area during a storm.”Several jet bridges were also replaced at Hobby.“The new jet bridges were designed with storms in mind,” Nwambuonwo said. “They’re equipped with hurricane-grade tie-downs that allow us to secure the bridges in place even during sustained tropical winds.”Behind the scenes, HOU electricians and maintenance teams added another layer of readiness.“Our electricians and maintenance teams now have standby portable generators ready to go before any storm makes landfall,” Nwambuonwo said. “That allows us to keep essential systems powered and running, even if the grid goes down.”Water management as a daily disciplineBeyond wind, another key vulnerability for airports is water.“We’re not waiting for hurricanes to test our drainage,” Santos said. “Every major summer rainstorm is now an opportunity to pressure-test our lift stations and pumping systems.”When June storms moved through Houston this year, maintenance crews monitored how quickly and efficiently water was moved away from runways, taxiways and terminals. Data from those real-world events is used to make proactive adjustments long before the Gulf heats up.“Beryl taught us that you prepare before hurricane season starts, not after,” Santos said.Better for passengers, tooWhile much of the work happens behind the scenes, passengers will feel the improvements if another storm strikes.Portable generators now power and illuminate curbside check-in kiosks, walkways, traffic lights and terminal entrances. Reinforced roofs minimize leaks and closures. Redundant power feeds maintain TSA operations and baggage handling.Passenger communication has also been overhauled. Updated messaging through Fly2Houston.com, mobile apps and airline partners allows for earlier and more precise information when disruptions are likely.“When you give people honest, timely information, they can plan,” said Augusto Bernal, director of communications for Houston Airports. “That reduces stress for travelers, employees and the entire airport system.”Preparing for the next stormAs the 2025 hurricane season unfolds, Houston Airports stands on firmer footing. The power may still go out, the rain may still fall and the winds will still howl. But across Bush and Hobby, layers of hard-earned resilience are now in place. Systems are engineered to survive the next storm and keep passengers moving through it.“No airport can stop a hurricane,” Hill said. “But what we’ve built is a defense that gets stronger every single season.”[](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/houston-airports-official/id1613307854)

Houston’s culinary scene just scored another win—this time for Houston Airports.Less than six months after opening inside William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Throughgood Bistro & Bar has earned national recognition as one of North America's best new airport dining experiences.The quick-service concept, operated by Areas USA, was named Best New Food and Beverage (Quick-Service Concept) by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) during the 2025 Excellence in Airport Concessions Awards. The announcement was made at the ACI-NA Business of Airports Conference in Arlington, Texas, on June 25.“I congratulate this year’s honorees for their dedication and collaboration, not only with national brands, but also with the local restaurants and retailers that make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke.Throughgood Bistro, which opened in February, is a Houston-grown concept offering paninis, salads and sandwiches. Its full bar showcases selections from local breweries and Texas distilleries. Guests order at the counter and can dine at the bar or one of several nearby tables. The location—in Hobby Airport's pre-security Ticketing Lobby—makes it accessible to travelers and the public.The airport debut builds on the reputation of the original Throughgood Coffee and Bistro, a now-closed Houston Heights café founded by Pastor Rudy Rasmus of St. John’s United Methodist Church. A portion of proceeds from all airport purchases support the Bread of Life Foundation, a nonprofit Rasmus co-founded to combat homelessness in Houston.“This isn’t just about serving good meals quickly in an airport,” said Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial officer for Houston Airports. “It’s about proving that concepts that reflect the values of the city we serve can also thrive on a national stage.”The win marks another milestone for Houston Airports and its evolving concessions strategy, which is gaining national recognition. By prioritizing local representation, raising the bar for quality and developing a stronger sense of place, the airport system is reimagining what airport dining can be.In April, Velvet Taco, a Houston-born favorite, was named Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept at the Airport Experience Awards. That honor came just one year after the restaurant opened its first airport location at Hobby, through a partnership with LaTrelle’s Management Corporation. It also marked a full decade since Velvet Taco debuted on Washington Avenue.More growth is ahead. Later this year, Houston Airports will launch four additional restaurants at Hobby: Killen’s Barbeque, Common Bond Bistro and Bakery, SpindleTap Brewery and Yard House. The openings mark the start of Phase 3 in the airport system’s multi-year effort to overhaul concessions at the 5-star Skytrax-rated airport. Each concept adds something distinct: Killen’s, a Michelin Guide-recognized barbecue institution; Common Bond, a cult-favorite bakery and brunch destination; SpindleTap, one of Houston’s highest-rated breweries; and Yard House, a national chain that will debut a Houston-focused design and feature the world’s largest draft beer selection.Earlier this year, Skytrax ranked George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) among the Top 10 Best Airport Dining Experiences in the World. “This latest recognition is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the best of Houston inside our airports,” said Libby Hurley, director of concessions for Houston Airports. “Throughgood is a celebration of what can happen when local culture, social impact and strong partnerships come together.”According to ACI-NA, the annual Excellence in Airport Concessions Awards “recognize airports, concessionaires, and industry business partners for their work in elevating the passenger experience for all travelers.”

There’s choreography, and then there’s coordination. What unfolded this past week at Houston’s airports was both—and more.As Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour descended on her hometown, Houston Airports pulled off a never-before-seen activation that transformed terminals into tributes. But this wasn’t just about sparkle and signage. It was about civic creativity, logistical prowess and a forward-looking strategy that hints at the future of major events in Houston, starting at the gate.At the center of the effort: Simone Wilson, Digital Experience Marketing Manager for Houston Airports and the visionary behind Cowboy Corner. The pop-up activation, live on Thursday, June 26, Friday, June 27 and Monday, June 30, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), combined Houston pride with high-touch design—interactive photo backdrops, vibrant digital displays and a curated traveler experience that nods to the star’s Southern roots and global influence.“This was about making travelers feel the magic of the moment,” said Wilson. “It’s Beyoncé’s homecoming, but it’s also Houston’s. We wanted to turn airport arrivals into a celebration that feels uniquely us.”The response was instant. Staff danced with passengers. Harmony in the Air musicians mixed Queen Bey covers with country hits. Therapy dogs wagged their tails beneath disco cowboy hats. Travelers—whether or not they had tickets to the sold-out show at NRG Stadium—snapped selfies with vibrant digital signage, many wearing custom sashes made just steps from TSA. The moment was everywhere: captured by superfans, shared on TikTok and Instagram and quickly picked up by local and national press.But Wilson says the effort was about more than honoring a hometown icon; it was also a dry run for what’s coming. “We don’t have a playbook yet for terminal takeovers at this scale,” Wilson said. “We know the World Cup will bring unprecedented traffic, expectations and opportunity. We needed to build a muscle for how we do something big and do it well. Beyoncé gave us a chance to flex.”RELATED | Houston Airports connects fans to every 2026 tournament host cityWilson rallied the Houston Airports Marketing team, HOU and IAH Terminal Operations, Communications and Maintenance and Facilities. Together, they pulled off a full-scale activation during one of the summer’s busiest travel windows.“This was proof of concept,” she added. “We can move fast. We can work cross-functionally. And we can bring art, culture and celebration into the terminal without disrupting operations. That’s everything we’ll need in 2026 and beyond.”Indeed, Houston is one of 16 cities hosting matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, and the world will soon descend on Bush and Hobby airports. But first came the BeyHive, treating Beyoncé’s only Texas tour stop like a pilgrimage. Reddit threads buzzed with anticipation. Fans posted flight itineraries and fashion previews. Some even called it “the real Renaissance.”For Houston Airports, it was more than a moment. It was a movement.“We didn’t just put up a backdrop,” said Wilson. “We delivered an experience. And we proved something important: when it comes to welcoming the world, Houston Airports is more than ready. We’re in formation.”RELATED | One terminal. One clock. One unforgettable kickoff to the 2026 World Cup