Houston Airport Expands International Capacity with Six New Gates
Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) unveiled six new gates on October 22 as part of its Terminal D expansion. The newly built “west pier” adds 160,000 square feet to the terminal, bringing its total area to nearly 500,000 square feet. Designed to handle widebody aircraft, these gates will primarily service international routes, starting with Avianca Airlines, which inaugurated the gates with a flight from San Salvador, El Salvador.
The west pier features a copper-colored ceiling inspired by Houston’s iconic live oak trees, a 380-foot LED wall, and comfortable seating areas equipped with cup holders and charging ports. Sixteen new retail and dining options have also opened to enhance the passenger experience.
This expansion is part of a broader $1.5 billion investment in Terminal D, initiated in November 2019, aimed at meeting growing international travel demand. The next phase will be an “international central processor” facility, set to open in two phases in 2025. This facility will include expanded ticketing and baggage claim areas and one of the largest security checkpoints in the country, bolstering Bush Airport’s capacity for future growth.
In addition to these upgrades, United Airlines, a hub carrier at IAH, is overseeing a $2.5 billion upgrade of Terminal B, committing around $1.9 billion through bonds issued by the city of Houston. These ongoing projects position IAH as a key international gateway for the future.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/magazineonline/airports/