The Houston City Council has paved the way for a new international terminal building at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) by approving a funding and phasing plan.
The new facility would sit in the same location as the existing Mickey Leland International Terminal Building, otherwise known as Terminal D.
“Houston is firmly established as a key player on the global market stage and we need an international terminal building that adequately reflects that standing,” says Houston Mayor Annise Parker. “International travel is vital to both our economic health and our quality of life. We’ve been remarkably successful in attracting new international air service to Houston, and now it’s time to address the infrastructure needs at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.”
The memorandum of agreement passed by the city council secures support from United Airlines in working through logistical phasing issues for the project and also enhances a funding mechanism necessary for infrastructure improvements by raising the Houston Airport System’s passenger facility charge collected from ticket sales from $3.00 to $4.50.
The new building would be more open with a modern design relying on natural light and improved passenger flow. It is slated to include 15 gates, each capable of accommodating larger jets prominent in today’s international travel.
IAH officials say the new building is necessary, as the airport has experienced record-breaking levels of international traffic the past four years, hitting 8.9 million such passengers in 2013.
During that time, the airport also has added three new foreign-flag carriers, with another, Scandinavian Airlines, beginning operations in August.
“The unanimous vote on the part of our city council speaks volumes as to the importance of this project and the amount of public support that lies behind it,” says Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz. “The city of Houston is currently enjoying a remarkable amount of economic success, and our elected leaders have a terrific understanding of our airport’s vital role in maintaining and building on that positive momentum.”
