Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System, announced during the Greater Houston Partnership’s 2026 State of the Airports event that six major developments are in the works at the city's airports.
The framework
According to a Nov. 4 news release, the initiatives are aimed at advancing Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s priorities for Houston airports, including:
Improving the passenger experience
Strengthening infrastructure
Creating more opportunities for Houston businesses.
“Houston doesn’t stand still, and neither can its airports,” Szczesniak said in a statement. “We’re investing in the passenger experience while creating more opportunities for Houston businesses to grow with us. That means better airports for the people who use them and more economic opportunity for the city we serve.”
What’s new
Among the new initiatives are plans to launch an insurance program as early as January 2027 designed to lower a significant cost barrier for qualified small businesses competing for airport work, according to the release.
At Whitmire’s direction, HAS is developing AirsideDrive, an airport-specific excess auto liability program designed to make that required coverage more affordable. The program would provide $9 million in excess liability coverage above a company’s required $1 million underlying coverage while authorized vehicles operate inside the airport’s Air Operations Area.
The model has produced insurance savings of up to 70% for participating businesses at Denver International Airport, where the program originated, per the release.
William P. Hobby Airport
Officials announced that travelers at William P. Hobby Airport will have seven more gates, a new baggage system and a covered walkway between the parking garage and terminal once the airport's West Concourse expansion is completed.
Per the release, the nearly $500 million project, developed with Southwest Airlines, remains on schedule for phased completion beginning in the first quarter of 2027.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, HAS plans to expand the east cargo area by 183 acres. Future tenants could build warehouses, parking and other facilities based on their operational needs.
Per the release, the expansion would provide additional room to support Houston’s energy, aerospace, biotechnology and logistics industries. HAS expects to seek development proposals in early 2027.
Officials also announced that IAH cargo handler Cargo USA has earned the International Air Transport Association’s CEIV Pharma certification for its pharmaceutical-handling operations at IAH, which means a shipment leaving Houston can carry medical research or medicine a patient is waiting for, according to the release.
Houstonians picking up family and friends at IAH will also have a place to refuel, grab a bite and use the restroom under plans to redevelop the airport's cellphone waiting area along John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
The proposed development would include a redesigned waiting area, fuel station, electric vehicle chargers, convenience store, public restrooms and quick-service restaurants, per the release.
One more thing
Lastly, officials announced that U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed IAH will be among eight airports receiving Global Entry Walk-Through technology in December.
The technology is designed to allow eligible Global Entry members to continue walking through the processing area while cameras use facial comparison to verify their identities, rather than requiring a traditional stop at a kiosk, per the release.
