The airport is set to add seven more gates, a canopy to connect the parking garage to the terminal, and a state-of-the-art baggage system.
HOUSTON — Big changes are coming to Hobby Airport as officials and Southwest Airlines celebrated the expansion of the West Concourse.
Construction is underway as the airport is set to add seven more gates, a canopy to connect the parking garage to the terminal, and a state-of-the-art baggage system There will also be upgraded amenities and concessions.
Renderings of the expansion project were also released.
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The West Concourse was built by Southwest Airlines in 2015. Airport officials said the new infrastructure will reduce passenger wait times and improve overall travel efficiency.
“This expansion isn’t just about adding more gates — it’s about enhancing every aspect of the passenger experience,” Jim Szczesniak, director of Aviation for Houston Airports, said Thursday. “As North America’s first and only 5-Star Skytrax airport, it’s essential for Hobby Airport to offer facilities and services that match our world-class reputation. Partnering with Southwest Airlines on this project allows us to create a truly remarkable experience for all travelers.”
Skytrax World Airport Star Rating is a mark of quality achievement awarded to airports achieving a very high overall quality performance. The rating is based on an audit of all customer-facing items of product and service that an airport provides.
According to Skytrax’s website, a five-star rating is awarded to airports that are providing, “a very high, overall quality performance. This top rating recognizes high standards of airport facilities/amenities, together with consistent and excellent standards of staff service across front-line areas.”
Thursday’s celebration also highlighted the partnership between Southwest and Houston Airports.
“Since our first year of service in 1971, we’ve operated nonstop at Hobby Airport. It’s a cornerstone market for us, serving as a base for our flight crews and as a gateway city to our international service,” Steve Sisneros, vice president of Airport Affairs at Southwest Airlines, said. “This expansion marks an exciting time for our future here, allowing us to grow our service and reach even more customers.”
In August 2023, the Houston City Council unanimously approved the first installment toward a total of $470 million in funding for the expansion project.
The West Concourse Expansion Project comes less than a decade after Hobby Airport last expanded.
In October 2015, Southwest Airlines commenced service from the 280,000-square-foot West Concourse. The concourse includes five gates that can accommodate international and domestic flights; a ticketing hall; a Federal Inspection Services facility; and an expanded TSA checkpoint.
The project is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2027.