Bush Intercontinental with record international growth amid transformation

Houston’s aviation system is experiencing a multi-billion-dollar transformation to support soaring passenger and cargo demands. In 2025, Houston Airports confirmed 2025 as a year of international momentum, record-setting cargo performance. Across George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Houston Airports served 62 million passengers in 2025, reinforcing the region’s role as one of North America’s most connected global gateways.

International passenger traffic at Bush Airport reached record levels, with 12.4 million passengers, a 2.5% increase compared to 2024. Growth was driven by sustained international demand and an expanding route map that continues to connect Houston to key markets across Asia, Latin America, Canada and Europe. New and expanded service in 2025 included routes from ZIPAIR Tokyo, Volaris, United Airlines, VivaAerobus, Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines.  Together, those additions strengthened nonstop access to cities such as Tokyo, Monterrey, Edmonton, Gulf Shores, Wilmington, Portland, and New York–JFK, while deepening Houston’s ties across Mexico and Central America.

So far in 2026, IAH added major air service milestone, first ever flight between Houston IAH and Rome FCO on ITA Airways that started in May, and announcement of United’s daily flight to Caracas, Venezuela from August 2026.

Cargo operations were the clearest signal of that economic strength.Houston Airports handled 562,809 metric tons of air cargo, a 1.9% increase year over year and the highest total in the airport system’s history, surpassing the previous record set in 2022. December 2025 closed as the second-busiest cargo month ever, with 51,416 metric tons handled across IAH and HOU.Bush Airport processed 552,588 metric tons of cargo, fueled by strong international volumes from Europe—particularly the United Kingdom and Germany—as continued growth from Taiwan, Chile, Indonesia, Thailand and Turkey. Long known as a hub for energy and industrial cargo, IAH has emerged as a critical distribution point for electronics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

That momentum continued with the arrival of Cargolux Italia, which launched a weekly Boeing 747 freighter operation connecting Taipei, Anchorage, Houston, Milan and Luxembourg.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Growth

IAH is cementing its status as a premier global gateway.

• Terminal B Transformation: A massive redevelopment is underway to modernize the terminal, adding a new Central Processor for expanded ticketing, security, and baggage claim.
• Terminal E & D Expansion: Recent upgrades expanded international and domestic processing capabilities and Terminal D West Pier addition in late 2025/

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) Growth

Hobby is North America’s first 5-Star Skytrax-rated airport and serves nearly 15 million passengers a year.

• West Concourse Expansion: HOU is undergoing a major multi-million-dollar expansion expected to open in 2027. This project will add seven new gates for domestic and international flights, upgraded baggage handling systems, and expanded concessions.