What we know
Jim Szczesniak, director of the Houston Airport System, said during a May 14 budget workshop that these initiatives include terminal upgrades such as new restrooms in terminals A and D at IAH, which Szczesniak said were in “disrepair.” The project is expected to cost $30 million, with a completion date of late summer. Additionally, United Airlines is expected to close its restrooms in the fall for upgrades in terminals C and D, he said.
In addition, Szczesniak said HAS plans on upgrading amenities at Hobby, such as changing up the food courts in Terminal A and adding a lounge and a sensory room. A sensory room provides a quiet and controlled space where passengers can experience sensory relief from stimulating airport terminals, according to the Houston Airport System.
Szczesniak also said they are doing projects that continue to maintain safety for when planes take off or land. Examples include re-grooving select runways at IAH, which improves friction for airplane tires, as well as making improvements to IAH taxiways to help replace the aging asphalt pavement and distressed panels.
What else?
Szczesniak said work on major capital projects to expand different terminals and provide better service is continuing in both airports.
The $2.5 billion project to transform IAH’s Terminal B is expected to add 40 domestic and international gates, open a 115,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art food and retail space, and create a multimedia interactive park for customers to decompress and relax, according to the budget presentation. The project is expected to be complete in late 2026 to early 2027.
The $500 million project to expand Hobby Airport’s West Concourse is expected to add seven new domestic and international gates, renovate the baggage handling system, expand the baggage claim area, and upgrade existing infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed in 2027. Szczesniak said construction workers are currently redoing the restrooms and are expected to finish the men's restrooms in the summer.
Lastly, a $120 million project will upgrade IAH’s central utility plant, which Szczesniak said will replace the large chillers and transformers that power air conditioners and heaters at the airports. This project is expected to be completed in 2028.
