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Houston approved $129.9 million for seven infrastructure projects at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The overview
The projects include aircraft parking, employee parking, stormwater detention, utility improvements and pedestrian bridge repairs.
Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports, presented the planned projects at the Sept. 2 city council meeting.
“This is a proactive investment in shared infrastructure that supports the entire airport,” he said. “The projects will help preserve parking for travelers, improve severe-weather resilience and ensure IAH has the capacity to serve airlines, employees and passengers as Houston’s global gateway continues to grow.”
The city also authorized an agreement with United Airlines to deliver the work. The entire project will cost $229.9 million and Houston will reimburse United Airlines for the cost. The first payment of $129.9 million will be disbursed in fiscal year 2026-27. The remaining $100 million will be paid out in FY 2027-28. Funding will come from airport funds.
City officials said international travel at IAH has increased as the airport saw a record of 12.4 million international travelers in 2025. That international demand, along with an expanding route map connecting Houston with Asia, Latin America, Canada and Europe, underscores the need for infrastructure that can support future demand, city officials said.
The details
The airport will undergo these seven projects:
Design and construction are expected over the next three years, officials said.
Also of note
Under the agreement, United will manage development and construction. Houston Airports will reimburse approved project costs from airport system funds and recover those costs through rates and charges paid by airlines and other airport users, including United.
