HOUSTON – We all know how stressful traveling during the holidays are and going to the airport, alone, can be a dreadful experience. Fortunately, officials at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston are looking to change that through various development projects and are hoping to make that easier; just in time for the holidays!
RELATED: More changes to Houston Airports coming
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According to the Houston Airport System, the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP) is Bush Airport’s largest expansion in its 53-year history. The program will be finished in 2025, but we will start seeing changes as soon as next week and before holiday travel begins.
Overview timeline:
- October 22, 2024: IAH D-West Pier Opens
- November 2024: 4 lane entry on North Terminal Road
- December 2024: Partial opening of ICP Arrivals Curb
- January 2025: Full opening of ICP Arrivals/Departure Curbs
- Summer 2025: Completion of ICP/Final Traffic Configuration
More changes detailed in the plan:
- 150 parking spaces coming to IAH C/D/E garage
- $30 million restroom renovation project
- $35 million Jet Bridge project (Starts November 4th)
- More concessions
Officials also say the Houston Airport will restore North Terminal Road to four lanes before the Thanksgiving holiday, replacing its current congested three-lane entry.
The airport will close the temporary international arrivals curb in terminal E before the Christmas Holiday. Six of the eight lanes will open for the new International Central Processor (ICP) Arrivals.
Houston Airports will restore the 4-lane exit, improving traffic flow without relying on law enforcement traffic management.
In mid-January, United Airlines plans to shift its Terminal E operations to the new ICP permanently. This will coincide with the opening of the ICP Arrivals and Departures West Curb, which will enhance the passenger experience on the North and South Terminal Roads.
When the ICP is fully open, it will have eight lanes on the lower and 11 lanes on the upper levels. In addition, it will offer a new TSA checkpoint.
In late summer 2025, Houston Airports will close the Terminal D lobby and fully open ICP. The Terminal D curbside drop-off will permanently close and become entrance lanes for enhanced traffic flow along North Terminal Road.
Mayor John Whitmire expressed the number one complaint he hears is about IAH parking and traffic conditions. With the new changes, he sees a step in the right direction.
“Houston is a world-class city. When we invest in infrastructure, we ensure that our airport remains a gateway that reflects our city’s innovation, growth and excellence.” Whitmire said in a meeting with the Houston economic development office.
For more information on the developments, click here.