Houston Airports wrapped Spring Break 2024 by welcoming an unprecedented 2.3 million passengers through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) from March 7 to March 18. This year marks the busiest Spring Break travel period on record for Houston Airports. Despite the continued construction of the new Mickey Leland International Terminal at IAH, Houston Airports and Houston Police were able to keep traffic flowing.

“Keep on doing a great job. The difference in being user-friendly since you’ve taken leadership is really noticeable,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire to Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports during Wednesday’s City Council meeting. “I was there last week. If we can survive the Spring Break increase in volume, we will be in great shape as construction moves forward at Bush Airport.” 

Szczesniak confirmed that the 2024 Spring Break travel period, between March 7 and March 18, resulted in an all-time air passenger record for Houston. 

“We are really proud of our team and the traveling public. They did very well,” said Szczesniak. “Our traffic coordination among Houston Airport Operations and Houston Police resulted in excellence along our Departures curbs.  The public followed our instructions and used the cell phone lots to great effect. Additionally, we were able to complete one of our ITRP phases that allowed for the rebuilt entrance to the Terminal C garage to be reopened just prior to Spring Break.” 

Szczesniak noted that through traffic data analysis, Houston Airports curbed outbound traffic on some of the busiest travel days.  Average travel times during the peaks dropped: 

• 52% at IAH and 23% at HOU when compared to the same Thursday in 2023
• 53% at IAH and 5% at HOU when compared to the same Friday in 2023 
• 31% at IAH and 18% at HOU when compared to the same Saturday in 2023

Szczesniak shared that Houston Airports tracked a rise in people departing Houston’s airports on the final days of Spring Break, a signal that more people traveled to Houston for Spring Break. Considering Houston Airports generates about $36.4 billion annually for the region’s economy, Szczesniak shared his excitement about learning that Houston is a growing Spring Break destination, “that’s a great thing for the region.” 

In addition to working with Houston Police, Houston Airports increased wayfinding signage inside and outside of the airport, leveraged more than 100 Customer Service Representatives who, collectively, speak two dozen languages and tapped into the inviting and immersive arts experience that is a favorite among passengers. 

“The signage was great. I was able to figure out where I needed to park. The signage inside was quite sufficient, so thank you for making the transition process during construction, easier for travelers,” said Houston City Council member and Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum of her airport experience while traveling during Spring Break. 

Houston Airports recognizes the vital importance of maintaining the trust of its passengers, who rely on the airports to provide a seamless, safe and enjoyable experience from curb to gate. 

“To our passengers, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing Houston’s airports as your gateway to the world,” said Liliana Rambo, Chief Terminal Management and Administration Officer for Houston Airports. “Your trust in us drives our commitment to excellence, and we remain dedicated to delivering a world-class experience for every passenger, every time.”

The construction projects at Bush Airport, including the development of a world-class international terminal and the transformation of Terminal B and the anticipated 7-gate expansion of William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are part of the commitment of Houston Airports to working with stakeholders and airline partners on critical infrastructure improvements while also prioritizing the guest experience with minimal disruptions during peak travel periods.

“Preserving the trust of our passengers is fundamental to everything we do at Houston Airports.  For the 12 days of spring break, we only had traffic challenges at IAH for about three hours on the last Sunday of Spring Break,” emphasized Szczesniak. “From ensuring efficient traffic flow to enhancing security measures and providing top-notch customer service, we are committed to upholding the highest standards to meet and exceed passenger expectations.”