Southwest Airlines sets sights on George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Beginning next year, Southwest Airlines will be soaring into its second Houston-area airport: George Bush Intercontinental Airport. According to an Oct. 12 announcement from the Dallas-based airline, Southwest Airlines is expanding its services in the Houston and Chicago regions next year.

The airline will begin servicing IAH, which is located near Humble, in the first half of 2021, according to the release. However, specific details—such as terminal location, schedules and routes—are not yet available.

The airline has been flying out of William P. Hobby Airport, located in southeast Houston, for roughly 30 years, per the release. Southwest Airlines operated from IAH when the airline first opened in 1971 and operated from IAH and Hobby Airport between 1980 and 2005.

In a statement posted to the Houston Airport System's social media page, HAS Director of Aviation Mario Diaz said the system was excited to welcome Southwest Airlines back to IAH.

"Southwest Airlines will continue its exceptional service and operations out of William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), and its new service out of IAH will only complement its current offerings," the statement read. "Houston Airports supports and applauds this decision by Southwest Airlines to grow air service offerings in Houston during a time when air carriers are doing what they can to recover from the effects of the pandemic and once again reach a point of profitability."