United Airlines and the Houston Airport System (HAS) have announced a landmark $2 billion investment at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with United’s Terminal B Transformation Program.
The project, aimed at meeting future demand expected to reach 36 million passengers annually, will include the construction of 40 new gates over two concourses for both domestic and international travel. replacing the 1969-era flight stations.
The Terminal B North Concourse, spanning approximately 765,000 square feet over three levels, will house 22 narrow-body gates and a large United Club. The Terminal B South Concourse project involves converting 30 gates that currently house smaller, 50-seat regional jets to accommodate larger regional jets. Unlike in the current terminal, all flights will be boarded via a jet bridge.
“This investment further supports United’s position as Houston’s carrier of choice,” said Phil Griffith, United’s vice president of IAH. “On behalf of our more than 14,000 employees who call Houston home, I can’t wait to continue to do all we can to serve our customers flying to, from and through our hub on more than 400 flights each day.”
The Terminal B transformation will also include expanding curbside and roadway capacity, along with expanding the ticketing lobby, adding intuitive wayfinding systems and signage and a ground-level check-in area. The third floor is expected to house a streamlined security processing area.
The project will also include two major concessions hubs, offering 115,000 square feet of state-of-the-art food and retail space including unique dining and shopping experiences. In addition, the baggage claim hall will be expanded, and a new baggage handling system, equipped with advanced baggage tracking technology, will support increased capacity.
“The redevelopment of one of Bush Airport’s oldest terminals is a symbol of the crucial role air service plays in the economic vitality of Houston.” said Mario Diaz, aviation director for the City of Houston. “As we make significant progress on the new international terminal at Bush Airport to meet the growing demand for international travel, United Airlines’ Terminal B transformation will help Houston meet the growing demand for domestic travel.”
United Airlines expects to invest more than $1.9 billion in the Terminal B Transformation Program and the City of Houston expects to fund $624 million in enabling projects required for the program.
The Terminal B arrivals and departures hall is being designed by Houston-based Page, and Grimshaw Architects, a London-based architectural firm, and will be constructed by Clark Construction. The Terminal B Concourses are designed by PGAL, a Houston-based international design and engineering firm, and to be built by Manhattan Construction, a Houston-based company.
