“Wow! Bush Airport is about to provide state-of-the-art facilities for travelers who want to visit any corner of the world,” said Martha Castex-Tatum, Mayor Pro Tem and Houston City Council member representing District K. She was among the City Council members who toured the construction site for the new international terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on March 19, 2024. 

“I encourage patience to airport guests as we complete this prize project,” said Castex-Tatum. “Airports are economic engines, and the end result of the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Project will be something that travelers will really enjoy.”

Council Members and their staff couldn’t snap cellphone photos fast enough as they walked through the construction site, which is near IAH Terminal D. Even though work continues to progress, the milestones achieved and significant progress made are visible, exciting and worth snapping a shot. 

Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, served as the guide for the tour, which included a sneak peek of the new Terminal D-West Pier, new International Central Processor, newly commissioned artwork, a feature wall, a custom copper ceiling and the site of an oculus which will be wrapped in high-definition LED panels. 

RELATED | Visual milestones of the new international terminal under construction at Bush Airport

The exterior of the International Central Processor is getting primed to welcome international passengers next year. The recent installation of eight custom steel trusses, meticulously crafted to resemble the leaves of iconic Houston trees, forms the structural foundation of a 50,000-square-foot canopy that now elegantly spans over the new International Departures Curb.

"We are one significant step closer to realizing our vision of excellence for the new IAH international terminal," remarked Khalid Radwan, Executive Program Manager for ITRP during the tour. "The canopy, with its expansive open-space design, aims to inspire airport guests while providing a durable solution for Bush Airport."

The journey of each truss from fabrication to installation unfolded with precision and care. Hand-welded off-site, the trusses underwent a detailed process that included sandblasting, priming, and a three-layer paint application. The reassembly process, conducted in two halves, ensured efficiency and safety, ultimately resulting in the seamless integration of the components atop Y-shaped steel columns.

Each fully assembled truss, weighing approximately 90 tons and spanning 209 feet edge to edge, adds a distinctive touch to Houston's skyline, covering more than half the length of a football field. With all eight trusses now in place, the first quarter of 2024 signifies the completion of this ambitious project, significantly enhancing capacity along the international departures curb.

"This visual spectacle not only underscores Houston's dedication to innovation but also aligns with the city's commitment to providing an enhanced and more efficient travel experience from curb to gate," Radwan emphasized.

The tour provided Council members with a firsthand glimpse into the city's progress toward creating a world-class airport facility that reflects Houston's spirit of innovation and hospitality. As the project continues to unfold, the City Council now joins Houston Airports in anticipation of offering international passengers an unparalleled experience at what will soon be one of the newest and most modern international terminals in the U.S. 

LEARN MORE | IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP)

ABOUT THE NEW INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL AT IAH | The construction of the international terminal at Bush Airport, formally known as the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, ITRP, started in 2015 with a series of enabling projects. It advanced significantly in 2020 with the closing of the Terminal D/E parking garage for demolition to make room for the expansion of the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT) with a new International Central Processor. Once complete, the International Central Processor will house ticketing counters, baggage claims and a 17-lane security checkpoint that will be one of the largest in the country. Attached to MLIT will be a new concourse and a fully renovated Terminal D, with updated facilities where travelers can board their planes, relax in the many lounges, or explore dining and retail vendors. ITRP also includes the building of a new D West Pier space that houses 10 new narrow-body gates or 6 wide-body aircraft simultaneously. The $1.43 billion ITRP will accommodate international airline growth, resolve current and future roadway and curbside capacity constraints and vastly improve the baggage handling system.