Excitement is building at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) as the grand opening of the new IAH Terminal D-West Concourse nears this summer. Houston Airports hosts familiarization tours for employees, airlines and stakeholders, providing a glimpse into the state-of-the-art facility designed to transform the international travel experience.

The D-West Concourse, which is currently under construction, will expand the existing Terminal D by an additional 200,000 square feet and accommodate more gates for bigger planes, more retail and dining options, and more amenities, like a companion care changing room and commissioned artwork.

Once completed this summer, the expanded Terminal D will be 3 times bigger than the playing field at Minute Maid Mark. It’s a lot of room to cover, clean and maintain. That’s why familiarization tours, even during construction, are crucial.

“An important reason for conducting familiarization tours now rather than later is productivity,” explained Baris Tellibayraktar with the Operational Readiness and Airport Transition (ORAT) Team for Houston Airports. “Familiarization tours help employees feel comfortable and confident about their future work surroundings. They take away the unknown, alleviating anxiety and uncertainty about the new facility.”

Tour participants walk D-West with a map pointing out specific zones of interest. Approximately 2,500 employees will have toured the D-West Concourse before it opens to international passengers. 

“Tours also provide great opportunities for employees to interact with each other in a new environment which is ultimately very helpful for strengthening teamwork within sections,” said Sharon Estrada with the Operational Readiness and Airport Transition (ORAT) Team for Houston Airports.

Key differences between the existing Terminal D and the new D-West Concourse will be the new art features hanging from the ceiling and embedded in the terrazzo flooring; a new LED feature wall that runs along the west side of the concourse; a copper ceiling thoughtfully designed to sneak in light just like sunshine peeks through Houston oak trees; a new sensory room; and 16 new retail spaces. 

The Houston Airports Custodial team toured D-West earlier this month. The tour ensures a seamless transition into the new operational environment:

• A comprehensive understanding of the concourse's layout, pinpointing key areas like restrooms, concessions and gate rooms.
• Familiarity with the cutting-edge technologies implemented throughout the concourse, such as automated systems and digital signage.
• A clear understanding of their specific roles and responsibilities within the new facility, ensuring a seamless workflow from day one.

"Familiarization tours are an essential element of our operational readiness plan," said Tellibayraktar and Estrada, training coordinators within the ORAT Team. "By providing employees with a firsthand look at the D-West Concourse, we equip them with the knowledge and confidence they need to excel in their roles and contribute to an exceptional passenger experience from the very first day."

From aviation workers to Houston City Council members, Houston Airports provides more tours of the upcoming D-West Concourse as construction progresses. Just last month Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum toured the site and remarked, "Wow! Bush Airport is about to provide state-of-the-art facilities for travelers visiting any corner of the world."