Skip to main content

Houston's Hobby Airport Starts 2020 With New Airline, Maintenance Facility

Published Jan 15, 2020 by Maggie Martin

Houston plane

Houston's William P. Hobby Airport is marking the start of the new year with a couple of big announcements.

Earlier this week, Allegiant announced it added Houston as one of a few cities it’ll begin serving in 2020. According to its press release, the new seasonal nonstop routes from Hobby Airport include Knoxville, TN, Asheville, NC, Savannah, GA, and Destin/Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Allegiant says it’s also expanding to Boston and Chicago. It’s the largest expansion in the airline’s 23-year history, driven by the company’s focus on leisure travel.

Allegiant’s announcement comes just days after Southwest Airlines unveiled a $125 million, 240,000-square-foot maintenance facility at Hobby. It’s the largest in the Dallas-based carrier’s network, and includes offices, training facilities and warehouse space.

“It’s proof of our devotion and our dedication to Houston,” Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said during the grand opening celebration, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. “And the opportunity that we see here, and the excitement that we have to continue to grow.”

Kelly told reporters that Houston is one of three key cities where Southwest is focused on adding flights over the next 10 years, according to the Houston Business Journal. Southwest’s CEO said he ultimately wants to connect Houston to South America.

“I don’t see that in the next year or so, but definitely down the road it’s something that we would be interested to do,” Kelly said.

Houston is the international air gateway to the South Central U.S. and Latin America. With the addition of international air service at Hobby Airport in ’15, Houston became the only city in Texas with two airports offering international service and one of only eight such cities nationwide.

According to Houston Facts, domestic travel at Hobby Airport increased by more than 7% to over 13 million passengers in ’18. Airlines that offer direct domestic flights from Hobby include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines. Southwest is currently the only airline out of Hobby offering direct international flights.

The Partnership's 2019 Economic Highlights report says the Houston Airport System (HAS) offers nonstop flights to some 190 domestic and international destinations in 37 countries. Hobby is ranked as the 35th busiest airport in the nation. 

Learn more about air transportation in Houston in Houston Facts. Read how Hobby performed last year in the 2019 Economic Highlights report and get a monthly aviation update

Related News

Economic Development

From HVAC to Home Runs: How Daikin Fuels Economic Growth in Houston

3/27/25
Daikin Comfort Technologies North America is making history in Houston—not just on the field, but across the region. As the new namesake of the Astros’ ballpark, Daikin’s investment in the Houston region has been a game-changer for the regional economy and community.  Daikin’s journey in the Houston region has been one of steady growth and impact, and it all began over a decade ago. In 2012, the Japanese company acquired Goodman, a leading U.S. manufacturer of residential air conditioners. The acquisition strengthened Daikin’s foothold in the U.S. market and expanded its product offerings.  In 2017, the company opened the Daikin Texas Technology Park in Waller – just outside Houston – after consolidating Goodman’s four U.S. factories, headquarters, and distribution bases. The 4.2 million square-foot facility also serves its North American headquarters.  Since then, Daikin has invested more than $1 billion in the region, including over $500 million in the technology park alone. In 2023, the company announced the launch of a new product line focused on digital HVAC technology.   “Since establishing their campus in the region, Daikin has continued to grow, invest, and create jobs,” Steve Kean said. “Their expansion has brought new opportunities, strengthened our economy, and reinforced Houston’s role as a hub for global manufacturing and advanced technology.  Their knowledge and technology will also be valuable to our community as we maintain and grow our position as the world’s energy capital.”   As the Astros take the field at the newly renamed Daikin Park, the partnership marks more than a new name on the stadium — Daikin’s commitment to Houston goes far beyond the stadium. Through community programs focused on education and sustainability, the company is helping strengthen the region while reinforcing its commitment to innovation, economic growth, and global recognition for the region.  In partnership with the Astros, Daikin is launching two major programs. The Most Valuable STEAM Scholarship will provide Houston-area students with resources to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Daikin’s community cooling program will bring energy-efficient HVAC systems to underserved households, helping families stay comfortable while lowering energy costs.  Complementing these developments, the City of Houston has undertaken infrastructure improvements around Daikin Park. Texas Avenue, between Crawford and Hamilton Streets, was repaved — with crews removing 10 inches of pavement and replacing it with concrete and asphalt. Work began March 8 and continued around the clock to ensure the street reopened ahead of Opening Day, showing the city's commitment to creating a seamless experience for fans.  Daikin’s long-standing commitment to Houston shows that when global companies invest in our region, everyone benefits. From job creation and workforce development to education and sustainability, Daikin’s work in Houston is a strong example of what can happen when business, government and community come together.  Click to expand Daikin’s naming rights deal for the stadium runs through the 2039 season.  Learn more about what makes Houston the ideal place to live, work and build a business.
Read More
Economic Development

George R. Brown Convention Center’s $2 Billion Transformation Project

3/10/25
The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) is set to undergo a major transformation that will reimagine downtown Houston into a pedestrian-friendly convention and entertainment district.  Mayor John Whitmire and Houston First Corporation recently unveiled a master plan for the project, marking the first substantial renovation since 2016, which opened the building to Discovery Green and created the Avenida Houston Plaza.   The $2 billion project aims to bolster Houston’s position as a global hub for sports, entertainment and tourism, an especially timely investment as the city prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 and the Republican National Convention in 2028.   Phase One  Click to expand The first phase of development includes a 700,000-square-foot building, GRB Houston South, which will serve as a key connector between downtown and Houston’s East End. The building will include two exhibit halls, a multipurpose hall opening to the new Central Plaza, an atrium flex hall, ground-level retail and dining spaces and what is set to be the largest ballroom in Texas.  Click to expand Additionally, the Avenida Plaza will be extended south to connect Discovery Green with the new Central Plaza, creating an expanded gathering space for large-scale events and community activities.  “This project is truly transformative for downtown Houston, a lasting legacy that will solidify our position as a top-tier convention and entertainment destination,” said Mayor Whitmire in a press release. “Most importantly, we are creating a space that will build community, foster connection, and shape the future of Houston.”  Click to expand The project's design is inspired by Houston’s bayous and natural prairie landscape. Along with its nature-inspired elements, the building will use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, including rainwater collection and water-saving features, to minimize its environmental impact and strengthen the city's sustainability efforts.  The groundbreaking project will be funded by a portion of the state’s hotel tax revenue, made possible by Senate Bill 1057, which passed in 2023.  The Need for Expanded Infrastructure  With Houston’s hospitality and tourism industry rapidly expanding, the demand for expanded infrastructure has never been greater. In 2024, the city welcomed more than 54 million visitors, an increase of six percent from 2023 and nearly 10 percent since 2019, according to Houston First.  Click to expand “It is imperative for us to stay competitive and meet the needs of our meetings and convention customers,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First, in the same release. “This project will not only accomplish that but will "establish a gathering space that will be the epicenter for entertainment, sports, and city-wide events, accentuating our ability to capitalize on Houston's unique offerings.”  GRB Houston South is scheduled to open in May 2028, with the full project expected to be completed by 2038.  Discover more about living in Houston. 
Read More

Related Events

Economic Development

Economy Series - April

Join the Greater Houston Partnership on Wednesday, April 23 for an exclusive discussion on the U.S. and Houston economies, featuring Jeff Korzenik, Chief…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners