Phil Griffith, vice president of airport operations for United Airlines, said the project will include the construction of the Terminal B North Concourse, which will span three levels covering 765,000 square feet and house 22 mainline gates.
Griffith said the expansion is in line with United Airlines’ strategy to enhance network operations across major hubs. However, he said the expansion project presents challenges, including balancing ongoing airport operations with simultaneous construction projects without disrupting daily airport functionality.
“Working with the Houston Airport System and the Houston Police Department, we’ve been able to come up with great strategies to improve the traffic flows, improve traffic marshaling and even traffic signaling technology,” Griffith said.
The details
At a Nov. 30 groundbreaking, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the Terminal B expansion will help reinforce IAH’s role as a gateway to other countries and prepare for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, in which Houston is a host city.
The project will include:
- 22 mainline narrow-body gates, which are gates for large passenger planes, in the north concourse
- 18 larger regional jet gates in the south concourse
- 115,000 square feet of food and retail space
The project will be funded with $2 billion from United Airlines and $600 million from the city.
The city’s funding for the project will stem from enterprise funds derived from charges paid by airport passengers, agreed upon during a Nov. 15 Houston City Council meeting.
“We’re eager to collaborate with the incoming [city of Houston Controller Chris Hollins], addressing any queries,” said Mario Diaz, executive director of the Houston Airport System. “Our partnership with United Airlines and the financing team ensures our readiness, aiming for a swift resolution.”
The timeline
Griffith said the project involved detailed planning over the past year and a half.
Former Houston City Controller Chris Brown’s financial inquiries delayed part of the agreement’s funding, raising questions about financial implications and details, including United Airlines’ credit rating in November, according to previous reporting.
- May 31, 2023: Plans are proposed to Houston City Council’s Economic Development Committee.
- Nov. 8: Houston City Controller Chris Brown declines approval for the project.
- Nov. 15: Houston City Council unanimously approves the Terminal B project.
- Nov. 30: Terminal B project breaks ground.
- Third quarter of 2026: Terminal B North is expected to reach completion.
- First quarter of 2028: Terminal B South is expected to reach completion.
Griffith said he projects significant job creation during and after construction, estimating around 1,500 new hires in 2024, adding to the 2,100 employees United Airlines hired in 2023.
“Our goal is to transform George Bush Intercontinental Airport into one of the best and most enjoyable airports nationwide,” Griffith said. “To achieve this, as our flights increase, we’ll hire more employees for ground operations, customer service and other areas.”What's next?
As Brown’s term came to an end Jan. 1, recently elected City Controller Chris Hollins will take over the decision-making process regarding the project.
“United has been a key partner in highlighting our region on the global stage, and I’m excited to welcome United’s expansion in Houston once I’m confident sufficient due diligence has been done,” Hollins said.
In 2024, more significant changes and construction phases are expected to occur at Terminal B, Griffith said. The progress will continue in 2025 with ongoing construction and enhancements, gradually shaping the terminal’s new features.
By summer 2026, Terminal B North Concourse will be completed, and Terminal B South Concourse will be complete by early 2028, Griffith said.
