From the cover
Nearing completion
BY WESLEY GARDNER
The overview
International Central Processor The International Central Processor includes a consolidated ticketing, security and baggage operation aimed at reducing wait times and simplifying navigation. The ICP will include 30 self-service check-in kiosks, 12 self-service bag drop-os and 17 TSA checkpoints. Terminal D West Pier The Terminal D-West Pier includes a 160,000-square-foot expansion featuring six new gates built to accommodate wide- body airplanes that can also be converted to accommodate 10 narrow-body airplanes, as well as space for new retail options and restaurants.
Houston Airport System ocials have nearly completed George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program as the airport continues to strengthen its international travel options. HAS Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said the Terminal Redevelopment Program represents the single largest investment the city of Houston has contributed to IAH. Szczesniak noted most of the major phases associated with the project—including the Terminal D-West Pier, Terminal D updates and the airport’s new International Central Processor ticketing hall and security checkpoints—are either nished or nearly completed. “We’ve got some minor nishing work that’s going on,” Szczesniak said in a Jan. 8 interview. “Most of the work is done. … The remaining thing right now is actually testing and certifying the baggage system.” While the baggage system isn’t expected to be certied and tested by the Transportation Security Administration until early February, Szczesniak said the overall project will provide an economic boon to the Houston area and should help airport ocials prepare for the inux of passengers expected as the city hosts several FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.
PHOTOS COURTESY HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM
Arrivals and departures The Terminal Redevelopment Program also includes a new stacked roadway system aimed at improving trac ¡ow with the introduction of a nine -lane arrivals curb and a 10 -lane departures curb.
SOURCE: HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEMSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
A closer look
The impact
Also of note
The airport travel through IAH, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Airport contrib- uted roughly $40.6 billion to the Houston-area economy in 2023, according to a December 2024 economic report released by Campbell-Hill Aviation Group. Szczesniak said IAH transported roughly 51,400 metric tons of cargo in December, representing the second best month in the airport’s history.
Szczesniak said the improvements that have already been rolled out have gener- ated positive responses from travelers and employees, and trac in and out of the airport has been praised in particular. As part of the redevelopment program, Szczesniak said the airport expanded its arrivals curb to include nine lanes and its departures curb to include 10 lanes. “We haven’t had any trac issues going outbound ... where we used to have gridlock there on a daily basis,” he said. Szczesniak also said the security check- points and ticketing halls will reduce check-in times, adding that the airport is working with TSA to implement technology that will further improve processing speeds. Additionally, Szczesniak said a new inter- section currently under construction at Will Clayton Parkway and Kenswick Drive should ease travel into the airport.
Szczesniak said the improvements will help the airport prepare for travelers coming to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The draw has already garnered more than 500 million ticket requests worldwide by fans from over 200 countries, according to a Jan. 14 news release. November 2019: Work begins on $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program. Summer 2023: Work concludes on renovations to existing Terminal D area. October 2024: IAH opens the Terminal D-West Pier. February 2025: IAH opens its Terminal E Ticketing Lobby. February 2026: TSA ocials will conduct tests to certify the airport’s new baggage systems, representing the last portion of the Terminal Redevelopment Program. June 16-July 4: FIFA will host seven 2026 World Cup matches in Houston.
Economic impact
$40.6 billion generated into the Houston-area economy in 2023 207,787 jobs created, generating $13.2 billion in labor income in 2023 562,809 metric tons of cargo handled in 2025 48 million passengers traveled through IAH in 2025, including 12.4 million international travelers
SOURCES: CAMPBELLHILL AVIATION GROUP, HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCES: HOUSTON AIRPORTS SYSTEM, FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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