IAH’s $1.46B Terminal Modernization Completes 2026

**IAH’s $1.46 Billion Terminal Transformation Set for Early 2026 Completion, Boosting Capacity and Global Hub Status**

**HOUSTON, TX** – George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is on track to complete its ambitious $1.46 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program (TRP) by early 2026, a monumental effort poised to significantly enhance the passenger experience and solidify Houston’s role as a premier global aviation gateway. The multi-year project, which commenced with initial demolition and enabling works in late 2021, primarily targets the modernization and expansion of Terminal B, United Airlines’ largest hub.

Travelers can anticipate a dramatic overhaul designed to streamline operations and improve every step of their journey. A cornerstone of the redevelopment is the brand-new, 17-lane D Concourse TSA security checkpoint, heralded as the largest in North America. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to dramatically reduce wait times and improve throughput for thousands of daily passengers, leveraging advanced screening technologies.

“This program represents a pivotal investment in the future of air travel for Houston and the Gulf Coast region,” said Mario Diaz, Director of Houston Airports, in a recent statement to local media. “We are building an airport that is not just bigger, but smarter, more efficient, and ultimately, more welcoming. It underscores our commitment to world-class service and to supporting Houston’s burgeoning economy.”

United Airlines, IAH’s largest tenant, stands to benefit significantly from the upgrades. “Houston is our gateway to the world, and this investment ensures we can continue to provide our customers with a seamless, modern travel experience,” commented a United Airlines spokesperson, emphasizing improved operational efficiency and expanded capacity for their hub operations.

Beyond security, the TRP includes a brand-new, more efficient baggage handling system, crucial for minimizing delays and improving baggage delivery for both arriving and departing flights. Ticketing lobbies are also being expanded across Terminal B to comfortably accommodate increased passenger volumes.

For international arrivals, the airport is introducing a new federal inspection service (FIS) facility, promising a faster and smoother immigration and customs process. The Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT) is also receiving updated check-in counters and baggage claim areas, further enhancing the arrival experience for global travelers.

Connectivity within the airport complex is also a key focus. An underground people mover will link MLIT directly to Terminal A, offering swift inter-terminal transfers, while an above-ground connection will integrate with the existing Inter-Terminal Train, ensuring seamless access across all terminals.

On the airfield, Terminal B will gain 30 new gates specifically designed for regional jets. These gates, complete with new apron and taxiways, will allow for more efficient ground operations and reduce the need for remote boarding, improving the passenger experience for regional flights. An additional concourse is also under construction to handle domestic flights, further expanding capacity.

The program’s scope extends beyond the terminals, encompassing a renovation of the Terminal B North Concourse and significant improvements to parking access and the general roadway system around the terminal area. These infrastructure upgrades are designed to alleviate congestion and enhance overall vehicular flow.

The $1.46 billion project is primarily funded through a combination of airport revenue bonds, federal grants, and airline contributions, reflecting a collaborative effort to ensure IAH can meet the growing demands of its nearly 47 million annual passengers (pre-pandemic levels). Houston Airports projects continued growth in both domestic and international traffic, making these capacity enhancements critical for the city’s economic vitality.

For more information on the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, visit the Houston Airports System website at fly2houston.com/iah-trpp.