A major expansion at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is set to give travelers more flights, more destinations and an upgraded airport experience while reinforcing the city’s position as a leading global travel hub.
In a press release from the Houston Airport System and United Airlines, officials announced the opening of the Terminal B North Concourse, a 765,000-square-foot facility featuring 22 mainline gates, expanded passenger amenities, local dining concepts and the largest airline lounge in the Americas.
The concourse opened to the public on Oct. 22 and serves as the centerpiece of United's $2.6 billion Terminal B Transformation Program, an investment designed to expand capacity, enhance the passenger experience and support the airline's continued Houston growth.
You can read the full press release here.
Elevated Infrastructure for Houston Travelers
Designed to accommodate growing passenger demand while improving the travel experience, the new facility introduces several enhancements aimed at both leisure and business travelers.
One of the terminal's most significant additions is a new 54,000-square-foot United Club, now the largest airline lounge in North and South America.
The space features seating for approximately 800 guests, panoramic airfield views, an outdoor terrace, private work areas and artwork inspired by Houston's legacy as a center of innovation, culture and aerospace.
"This investment supports jobs, expands the airport's capacity and gives residents and visitors a modern facility that represents the scale and ambition of our city," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in the statement, calling the terminal "one of Houston's most important transportation and economic assets."
The facility also includes amenities designed to serve a wide range of travelers, including a sensory room for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities, a children's play area, expanded seating options and wellness-focused offerings.
A Distinctly ‘Houston’ Experience
Alongside upgraded infrastructure, the new concourse highlights many of the culinary and cultural experiences that have helped define Houston as a visitor destination.
More than 105,000 square feet of retail and concession space features a mix of national brands and local favorites.
Along with familiar names such as Starbucks, Jersey Mike's and Raising Cane's, travelers can experience Houston concepts including B&B Butchers & Restaurant, Rosie Cannonball, Blood Bros. BBQ, Pizaro's Pizza, Katz Coffee and Blue Bell Creameries.
The terminal also showcases the largest public art investment in IAH history. A $16.8 million program includes 10 major installations inspired by Houston's bayous, cultural diversity, innovation and history, helping create a sense of place for visitors arriving in the city.
Travelers looking to relax before departure can also visit Be Relax Spa, which offers massages, facials and nail care.
Elevating United’s Regional Footprint
The concourse expansion comes as Houston continues to strengthen its role as a hub for business travel, conventions and international visitation.
As Houston's largest airline, United operates more than 500 daily departures from IAH and employs more than 14,000 people across the region. According to the release, the airline has invested more than $3.5 billion in Houston-area facilities and operations since 2015.
See Houston First’s latest passenger travel data here.
From IAH, United now serves 65 international destinations, including 57 destinations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, more than any other United hub. The airline has also expanded its domestic network in 2026, adding service to 10 new cities and offering nearly 17 million annual seats through Houston.
The new concourse gives United greater flexibility to accommodate larger aircraft and increase capacity on high-demand routes.
Combined with improvements to the existing Terminal B South Concourse, the project is expected to increase the number of passengers the terminal can serve during peak travel periods by 40% compared to 2023.
Images provided by the Houston Airport System
Written by Mike Horton
