New International Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Update

Aviation Director Jim Szczesniak offers a sneak peek at the progress on the new international terminal at IAH, touting its increased capacity, modern amenities, and commitment to passenger experience. 

City of Houston Council members and their staff visit IAH in March 2024. HAS Director and senior staff update them on construction and redevelopment projects at IAH.

Houston Airports offers a glimpse into the ongoing construction of the highly anticipated new international terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The second phase of the three-phase $1.458 billion capital improvement program is on track for completion later this year. The entire program will significantly enhance the passenger experience at Houston’s busiest airport. The third and final phase is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

“The new international terminal represents a significant investment in the future of Houston Airports,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “This project will allow us to accommodate a growing number of international flights and solidify Bush Airport’s position as a premier global gateway.”

The new video update, shared below, Houston Airports showcases the impressive progress achieved on the project. Viewers can witness the installation of massive trusses, the construction of spacious security checkpoints, and the creation of modern passenger amenities.

Building Community Support for a World-Class Facility

Underscoring his commitment to transparency and community engagement, Director Szczesniak has actively fostered understanding and support for the new international terminal project. Within his first two months in office, he has already led two tours for Houston City Council members and one dedicated tour for media representatives.

“We are excited to see the new international terminal taking shape,” said Gary High, Chief Infrastructure Officer for Houston Airports. “The dedication and expertise of our construction crews are truly commendable. They are working tirelessly to ensure the on-time and high-quality completion of this important project.”

Key Features of the New International Terminal

• Increased Capacity: The new terminal will offer 10 additional gates for narrow-body aircraft, capable of simultaneously accommodating 6 wide-body aircraft. This expansion will allow Houston Airports to support a growing number of international flights.
• Enhanced Security: The new terminal will feature one of the largest security checkpoints in the nation, enabling passengers to move through the screening process quickly and efficiently.
• Modern Amenities: Passengers can look forward to a variety of modern amenities within the new terminal, including comfortable lounges, diverse dining options, and unique shopping experiences.
• Art and Culture: The new terminal will incorporate Houston’s vibrant arts scene, featuring stunning murals, artwork, and live musical performances.

A Commitment to Passenger Experience

The construction of the new international terminal is just one facet of the ongoing efforts by Houston Airports to elevate the passenger experience at IAH. Recent enhancements include the expansion of the world-class art program, the addition of convenient passenger amenities, and the opening of more than 600 new parking spaces at Terminal C ahead of summer travel.

“We are committed to providing a world-class travel experience for all passengers flying through Houston,” said Szczesniak. “The new international terminal represents a significant step forward in achieving that goal.”