United’s $1.9B Upgrade for George Bush Intercontinental Airport Hub
United Airlines and the Houston Airport System have revealed a substantial investment in the enhancement of United’s hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Under the Terminal B Transformation Program, United plans to invest over $1.9 billion, with the City of Houston contributing $624 million for necessary enabling projects. The Houston City Council has given approval for a Memorandum of Agreement between the city and United, with funding requests set to be submitted in multiple tranches throughout the project.
Anticipating around 36 million passengers, the transformation program involves the construction of 40 new gates at Terminal B, catering to both domestic and international travelers. The renovation plan encompasses expanding curbside and roadway capacity, enlarging the ticketing lobby, and enhancing passenger convenience with features like dynamic signage, intuitive wayfinding systems, and a ground-level check-in area.
The third floor of the facility will host a streamlined security processing area, and improvements will extend to the baggage claim hall, where an expanded area and an advanced baggage handling system with tracking technology will support increased capacity.
This announcement follows recent reports suggesting a temporary block by the Houston City Council on United’s plan to renovate Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental. City Controller Chris Brown expressed concerns about the financing and details of the airline’s expansion plans.
In a separate development earlier this month, United Airlines applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation for daily nonstop flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
