Houston started 2026 with a slight uptick in total air passenger traffic, according to recent data from the Houston Airport System. Passengers through both Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Hobby Airport reached 4.7 million, up almost 1% compared to January 2025. Domestic travel represented 3.6 million of these passengers, showing a half point gain, while international traffic reached 1.08 million, up 1.2%.

Air Traffic – In the Numbers

Overall domestic travel showed a 0.5% lift, though gains were predominantly supported by growth at Bush Airport. IAH welcomed 2.7 million passengers in January, up 2.1%, while Hobby showed a decline of over 4% in domestic traffic to just under 840,000 passengers.

Spirit Airlines saw the most significant drop in domestic passengers in January, declining 33% compared to the same time last year. Southwest Airlines also saw a slight drop, losing about 3% in total passenger traffic in January. Conversely, United Airlines continues to show growth, bringing in a 4% increase in passengers for the month and cornering a 60% market share of the airline carriers flying through HAS.

Increases in international passengers were supported by IAH bringing in just over 1 million passengers, up 2% YOY. Hobby Airport saw approximately 63,000 passengers, down almost 10% YOY. United Airlines showed a 4% YOY gain in international passengers in January and increased overall market share of airline carriers to 65%.

Looking forward, March is expected to show strong year-over-year gains in arrivals to Houston, according to recent air booking data from the research platform OAG.

See full stats here.

Written by Megan Henson

Picutured: Bush Intercontinental Airport