Airport News
Houston Airport Systems (HAS) has revealed its expansion plans for Hobby International Airport that will take place over the next two years and will vastly extend the airport’s facilities.
The plans, which were released in a presentation on Monday 4 February, include construction of a 28,000ft² two-level terminal building, expansion of the ticket counter to 120ft, an additional six security lanes in the security checkpoint, five new arrival and departure gates for Boeing 737 and A318-320 aircraft, and a new Federal Inspections Services (FIS) facility for international travellers.
The FIS facility will have its own baggage claim, 16 passport inspection stations and allow for 400 to 800 passengers to travel through it during peak hours.
The terminal is expected to cost around US$150m (£95.7m) and will be funded by Southwest Airlines, who in return will receive preferential scheduling rights and will operate from the terminal rent-free.
Corgan Associates Inc. will design the terminal, but a contractor has not yet been selected.
HAS also announced plans on Monday to construct a 2,500-space parking garage and complete roadway modifications at a cost of US$55m (£35.1m) and US$12m (£7.6m) respectively, which will be funded with general airport revenues.
Construction on the new terminal is expected to begin in May 2013 and is scheduled for completion by September 2015.
