A new report sheds light on the impact of one of Houston’s largest economic engines—it’s airports.
The four facilities that comprise Houston Airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Ellington Airport (EFD) and the Houston Spaceport, collectively generate $40.6 billion for the regional economy while supporting more than 207,700 jobs.
The consulting firm Campbell-Hill Aviation Group completed the just-released study using data from 2023. It’s the first of its kind, showing the impact of the four facilities together—the two passenger airports and the dual-focus Ellington and Houston Spaceport that support military operations and the rapidly expanding commercial space industry respectively.
“This study reaffirms what we’ve always known—Houston Airports is more than a transit hub; it’s a cornerstone of our region’s economy,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “From the $40.6 billion economic impact to supporting over 200,000 jobs, we are creating tangible benefits that ripple across Houston. Every passenger who walks through our terminals, every cargo shipment loaded onto a plane and every investment in infrastructure directly fuels our city’s growth and strengthens our global competitiveness.”
The airport system’s ability to attract international flights, facilitate cargo exports and create high-paying jobs ensures Houston’s continued prominence as a global gateway, airport officials said. Meanwhile, annual passenger totals, which will hit a new record this year, are expected to continue to climb as the region’s population and demand for air travel grow.
The airports also support the construction and design industry. Houston Airports and its airline partners are currently investing nearly $5 billion in infrastructure upgrades at IAH and HOU.
Szczesniak said infrastructure investments the organization is making today aren’t just about meeting current demand, they’re about securing the region’s future as a leader in aviation and aerospace. “Whether it’s the multi-billion-dollar transformation at Bush Airport or the pioneering work happening at the Houston Spaceport, we’re building the systems and facilities that will attract businesses, drive innovation and keep Houston at the forefront of global connectivity for decades to come,” he said.
In 2023, more than 60 million passengers traveled through Houston airports, including 12.6 million from abroad. Though December 2024 figures are not yet out, that figure is likely to grow by roughly 5% for the most recent calendar year. Together, the two passenger airports provide service to 194 destinations, including 70 international markets.
The study estimates that visitors to Houston that used air travel spent an estimated $5.3 billion in the region in 2023, from accommodations and shopping to dining and entertainment.
Click here for the most recent air passenger stats.
Written by A.J. Mistretta
