Summary
- United Airlines plans to renovate and expand Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport to accommodate larger airplanes and triple the airline’s capability.
- Houston City Council delayed a $150 million appropriation to the project resulting from lack of awareness and the necessity for extra reviews before agreeing to taxpayer funding.
- The renovation will include demolishing and rebuilding Terminal B North, adding more amenities, improving energy efficiency, and tripling the bags claim area for more efficient baggage handling.
United Airlines has big plans for Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Earlier within the yr, the airline announced its plans to renovate Terminal B on the airport, giving the aging constructing a more modern touch and even adjusting gates and equipment to accommodate larger airplanes.
Nevertheless, last week, the Houston City Council put a hold on a $150 million appropriation to the project, which, in keeping with some reports, will ultimately cost $2.6 billion and triple the airline’s capability at considered one of United Airlines’s major hubs.
Ignorance results in delay
In line with a report by the Houston Business Journal, City Controller Chris Brown claimed in an emailed statement to the publication that his office was unfamiliar with the financing and the plans to revamp the municipally owned airport. He added that any expenditure of funds for a $2.6 billion project would require additional reviews before taxpayer funding.
Nevertheless, an agenda from the May 31 City of Houston Economic Development Committee shows that Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz, United Airlines Managing Director of Airport Affairs Michael Yost, and United Airlines Vice President of Houston Hub Phil Griffith made a presentation in regards to the project in a city public forum.
Photo: United Airlines
In an announcement in regards to the expansion, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said:
“United continues to be an ideal partner and business leader within the City of Houston, connecting Houstonians to the world and investing in vital infrastructure projects that help enhance the travel experience for thousands and thousands of travelers.”
United’s expansion of Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport was planned to reinforce the traveler experience on the busy airport by mid-2026. Is the budget of $2.6 billion reasonable? Leave your feedback and comments on the project below.