IAH $1.46B Terminal Project Completes by Early 2026

**IAH’s $1.46 Billion International Gateway Nears Completion, Set to Transform Global Travel for Houston**

**HOUSTON, TX –** George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is rapidly nearing the substantial completion of its monumental $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program (TRP), a project poised to revolutionize international travel and cement Houston’s status as a global gateway. The extensive upgrade, aiming for substantial completion by early 2026, promises dramatically enhanced passenger experiences, streamlined operations, and a significant boost in capacity, particularly for international flights.

The centerpiece of the TRP is the brand-new International Central Processor (ICP), a sprawling 600,000-square-foot facility meticulously engineered to seamlessly connect Terminals D and E. This critical component will house 177,000 square feet dedicated to state-of-the-art ticketing and baggage claim areas, an additional 150,000 square feet for expanded TSA security checkpoints featuring advanced screening technology, and a generous 78,000 square feet earmarked for new concessions, offering travelers a diverse array of dining and retail options.

Travelers are expected to begin utilizing the ICP’s new ticketing and baggage claim areas as early as the fourth quarter of 2024. The entire ICP facility, including its significantly enhanced security checkpoints, is slated to become fully operational in the first quarter of 2025. This integrated design is expected to drastically reduce transfer times and improve efficiency for millions of international passengers annually.

Parallel to the ICP’s development, the new West Concourse for Terminal D is also a major focus, nearing its final stages. This modern expansion will introduce six new gates specifically designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft, crucial for long-haul international flights. The concourse will also feature contemporary airline lounges and additional concession options, elevating the pre-flight experience. The substantial completion for the West Concourse is targeted for January 2026, with full operational status and passenger welcoming anticipated by April 2026. Once the new West Concourse is fully integrated, the older Terminal D North Concourse will be carefully demolished, clearing valuable space for future strategic developments that will further enhance IAH’s capabilities.

“This is more than just an airport upgrade; it’s a critical investment in Houston’s future as a global city and a testament to our commitment to world-class infrastructure,” said Mario Diaz, Director of Houston Airports, overseeing both IAH and William P. Hobby Airport. “The Terminal Redevelopment Program will significantly elevate the passenger journey, attract more international carriers, and further stimulate our region’s economic growth.”

While the project is now in its final, bustling stages, it has not been without its challenges. In March 2023, a steel beam collapse on the construction site caused a delay of “several months,” according to Houston Airport System Chief Infrastructure Officer Ramadan Agab. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported during the incident, and construction teams swiftly worked to mitigate the impact and safely resume progress.

Upon the TRP’s full completion, IAH is projected to handle an impressive 10 million international passengers annually, a substantial leap from its current capacity and a significant improvement in both traveler convenience and operational efficiency. The redevelopment also incorporates a state-of-the-art checked baggage inspection system, designed to enhance security and speed up baggage handling processes.

The entire ambitious redevelopment, a cornerstone initiative by the Houston Airport System (HAS), is being financed through a robust funding model comprising revenue bonds, passenger facility charges (PFCs) – small fees added to airline tickets – and existing airport funds. This strategic financial approach ensures that no local taxpayer money is being used for this monumental undertaking, making it a self-sustaining investment in the region’s future connectivity and prosperity.

For more information on the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, visit the Houston Airport System’s official website at Fly2Houston.com.