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Work Begins on New International Terminal at Bush Airport

Published Oct 18, 2019 by A.J. Mistretta

Airport Overview

Construction began this week on a new international terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. 

Demolition of the former Terminal C North building will make room for the new Mickey Leland International Terminal, which is expected to open in 2022. The facility will make room for six new gates that will accommodate wide-body aircraft. 

Houston Airport System officials say additional international facilities are needed to support continued growth in international traffic at the airport. Nearly 44 million passengers traveled through Bush Intercontinental in 2018, including almost 11 million international passengers. 2019 is on pace to set yet another record. Total international traffic across HAS is up about 300,000 passengers year-over-year, according to the latest figures. 

The completed redevelopment will include two concourses — one each in the current terminals — where passengers will board their planes, dine or use facilities such as airport lounges.

Aviation Director Mario Diaz has called the new International Terminal Redevelopment Program “perhaps the most significant expansion project ever undertaken by the Houston Airport System.” Diaz will discuss the new terminal as part of his State of the Airports address with the Greater Houston Partnership on December 10. 

Airport officials say the demolition project will be virtually invisible to the traveling public and won’t interfering with ongoing operations within the adjoining buildings.

Learn more about Houston's airports, the latest passenger traffic figures and the Partnership's work in international business

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