A brighter, more spacious Hobby Airport is on the horizon as Houston Airports and Southwest Airlines expand the airport to deliver modern amenities and a seamless travel experience.
Houston Airports and Southwest Airlines are transforming the travel experience at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)—North America's first 5-Star Skytrax airport. The construction project, which includes expanding the West Concourse by seven gates, is turning heads and raising ceilings—literally.
What’s happening now? As of December 2024, passengers arriving at Hobby Airport will notice open ceilings in the baggage claim area, but there's no need to worry. These changes are part of a long-term plan to create a more modern, welcoming and efficient space to meet growing passenger demand. The result? An airport that's bigger, brighter and better.
Travelers need to know During construction, passengers may notice temporary changes in the baggage claim area, including open ceilings and construction barriers. However, operations will continue normally, and signage will guide travelers to their baggage carousels. Houston Airports encourages passengers to follow updates online at fly2houston.com for the latest information.
Project details: To elevate the travel experience, Houston Airports and Southwest Airlines are investing $470 million in the expanding Hobby Airport. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2027. The project will:
- Add seven new gates for domestic and international flights, making connections even smoother.
- Enhance the baggage claim area with natural light streaming through clerestory windows.
- Improve passenger flow with two additional baggage carousels and a state-of-the-art baggage handling system.
- Streamline arrivals and departures with a sleek overhead canopy connecting a garage to the Departures Curb.
- Create more space for restaurants, retail and public art that celebrates Houston’s culture.
Building on a legacy In 2015, Southwest Airlines debuted the HOU West Concourse, restoring international air service to Hobby Airport for the first time in nearly 50 years. This expansion builds on that foundation with modern design, enhanced amenities and a focus on Houston-friendly hospitality.
Pardon our construction: Brighter days are ahead. We understand that construction can be inconvenient, but this temporary phase is paving the way for a bigger, brighter, better Hobby Airport. We appreciate your patience as we build the airport Houston travelers deserve.
"As Houston's gateway to the world, Hobby Airport is raising the bar for passengers," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. "This project is about more than aesthetics. It's about creating a seamless and enjoyable experience from the moment passengers step off their plane to when they leave the airport."
The renovations are part of a larger strategy to keep Houston Airports at the forefront of the aviation industry. From state-of-the-art baggage systems to expanded amenities and world-class customer service, the improvements at Hobby Airport continue to position it as a leader in passenger satisfaction.
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