George Bush Intercontinental Airport's redeveloped Terminal B features the largest club of any airline in the Americas. (Hannah Brol/Community Impact)
Following an official unveiling on Oct. 21, George Bush Intercontinental Airport welcomed travelers to the redeveloped Terminal B North Concourse on Oct. 22.
The big picture
The new three-level, 765,000-square-foot facility features 22 mainline gates and is part of United Airlines' $2.6 billion Terminal B Transformation Program. Combined with the Terminal B South Concourse, the new facility will give the airline 48 gates in Terminal B.
The project is expected to increase the overall number of customers who can fly on peak travel dates in 2026 by 40% compared to 2023, per an Oct. 21 news release from the Houston Airport System.
Work began on the project in November 2023 and created approximately 3,000 construction-related jobs, as previously reported by Community Impact.
"The opening of the Terminal B North Concourse strengthens one of Houston's most important transportation and economic assets," Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement. "This investment supports jobs, expands the airport's capacity and gives residents and visitors a modern facility that represents the scale and ambition of our city."
The three-level terminal spans 765,000-square feet. (Hannah Brol/Community Impact)
Zooming in
The redeveloped terminal features 10 large-scale art installations, a dedicated sensory room, 105,000 square feet of space for retail and concessions, and a 54,000-square-foot United Club—the largest club of any airline in the Americas—per the release.
The United Club features seating for 800 travelers, a 1,350-square-foot outdoor terrace, two full-service bars, two buffet stations and 11 private phone rooms.
"I want our customers to start their vacation the minute they show up at the airport, and Terminal B North sets a new standard for facilities across the country," United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement.
The United Club features a 1,350-square-foot terrace. (Hannah Brol/Community Impact)
A closer look
Terminal B offerings include:
Houston favorites, including B&B Butchers & Restaurant, Rosie Cannonball, Pizaro's Pizza, Blood Bros. BBQ, Katz Coffee and Blue Bell Creameries
National brands, including Starbucks, Raising Cane's, Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's, Smashburger, Jamba, Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon and Protein Bar & Kitchen
Wellness and retail offerings, including Be Relax Spa
Terminal B features high-end duty-free and specialty retail shops.(Hannah Brol/Community Impact)
What to expect
Originally opened in 1969, Terminal B now features climate-controlled jet bridges for every United flight as well as a new baggage handling system, among other infrastructure improvements.
"Houston is a great example of our focus on the overall customer experience—yes, we're investing in new aircraft, products and technology here, but we're also focused on improving the infrastructure, building new concourses, baggage systems, and training and maintenance facilities for our employees," Kirby said.
Terminal B restrooms feature floor-to-ceiling stall doors, lit mirrors and automatic sinks. (Hannah Brol/Community Impact)
Looking ahead
The IAH expansion will allow United to add new international destinations. The airline is expected to launch service to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico, in late October, followed by Cartagena, Colombia, in December and Caracas, Venezuela, in January.
United also plans to restart service between Houston and Chihuahua, Mexico, next spring, per the release.
The United Club features two buffet stations.(Hannah Brol/Community Impact)
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