Houston air travel continues to climb in 2024 as local airports saw a 5.7% increase in total passengers compared to last year, bringing total passengers to 5.36 million in March. Year to date, the Houston Airport System has seen almost 14.5 million passengers, compared to 14 million in the same period last year – a 4.1% increase.

Air Traffic – In the Numbers

In March, approximately 4 million passengers flew through Bush Intercontinental Airport, while Hobby Airport saw approximately 1.3 million passengers. Travel through Houston airports consisted mostly of domestic passengers (passengers from the U.S. and U.S. territories), which accounted for approximately 4.24 million of the 5.36 million passengers, a 4.9% increase from last year. 

International passengers accounted for about 20% of all passengers out of Bush and Hobby airports, making up approximately 1.12 million passengers, an 8.8% increase. Mexico accounted for almost 445,000 passengers of international traffic, trailed closely by Central and South America with 315,000 passengers. Travelers out of Europe are increasing, with almost 150,000 passengers through Houston airports in March, up from approximately 98,000 passengers in February.

Passengers flying United Airlines make up 55% of the airline market share flying through Houston in March. Southwest Airlines follows United, making up 25%, or approximately 1.3 million passengers. The remaining market share percentage consists of Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and other carriers. These percentages are comparable to market share year to date, with margins only changing slightly to 56% United and 24% Southwest.

See full stats here.

Written by Megan Henson 

Pictured: Bush Intercontinental Airport