Houston’s aviation network is set for another major investment.
The Houston Airport System has secured more than $126 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support infrastructure improvements at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), reinforcing the region’s long-term capacity to serve residents, visitors and global travelers.
Announced as part of a nationwide $1.776 billion FAA grant program, the funding will support upgrades to airport infrastructure, including improvements to the IAH Skyway, airfield drainage enhancements, and HVAC modernization in Terminal D. At Hobby Airport, more than $62.2 million will fund the rehabilitation of Runway 13R-31L, a key operational asset that supports passenger and aircraft activity.
At Bush Airport, investments in the Skyway system will help improve passenger circulation throughout the airport campus while drainage improvements will strengthen operational resilience during severe weather events. Terminal D HVAC upgrades will enhance energy efficiency and support the passenger experience in one of the airport's primary international terminals. At Hobby Airport, the runway rehabilitation project will modernize one of the airport’s busiest runways and help ensure long-term operational reliability for airlines.
Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2027.
“This is a significant investment in the future of Houston’s airports and the millions of passengers we serve,” Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said in a press release announcing the grants.
The funding arrives as Houston continues to serve as one of North America’s leading aviation gateways. The Houston Airport System handled 24.4 million passengers during the first five months of 2026, about 5 million of which were international travelers. The city's two passenger airports make this one of the busiest aviation systems in the country.
The latest announcement reflects a Houston tourism landscape that remains resilient. June lodging data shows aggregate lodging revenue reached $309.7 million, up nearly 15% from June 2025. While room-night demand softened slightly, higher average daily rates helped drive strong revenue growth across both hotels and short-term rentals. Hotel revenue is up 7% so far this year.
With more than $126 million now committed to critical airport projects, Houston is continuing to invest in the transportation infrastructure that supports tourism, business growth and international connectivity for years to come.
Written by Mike Horton
