Member News

ZIPAIR's Chairman, Hiroo Iwakoshi, greeting passengers as they board the inaugural flight to Tokyo More>

ZIPAIR Launches Inaugural Houston-to-Tokyo Flight with Celebration at IAH

Post Date: 3/4/25

Houston Airports celebrated the arrival of ZIPAIR's inaugural flight from Tokyo with a festive event at Terminal D, complete with a traditional water cannon salute, live music, and a performance by the Kaminari Taiko drumming ensemble. The new direct route between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) strengthens Houston’s international ties with Japan, offering four weekly flights aboard Boeing 787-8 aircraft. ZIPAIR, known for its affordable and customizable travel experience, aims to provide a unique and comfortable journey to Asia for both seasoned and first-time travelers.

Read the full press release here.

DFW Airport Prepares for Record-Breaking Spring Break Traffic with Key Tips for Travelers

Post Date: 3/3/25

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is anticipating 4.8 million passengers between March 6-24, marking a 2.4% increase from last year. To ease congestion, travelers are encouraged to arrive early, consider public transit options like DART and Trinity Metro, and prebook parking. Major construction projects at Terminal C and along International Parkway may impact traffic, so customers should allow extra time for travel and stay updated via the DFW mobile app for real-time information on parking, security wait times, and construction zones.

Read the full press release here.

City Council Approves Application for $12 Million Grant to Enhance Corpus Christi International Airport

Post Date: 3/6/25

The Corpus Christi City Council has approved an application for a $12.2 million grant to enhance Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA). The funding, through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE Program, will support a $15.2 million project to rehabilitate International Drive and build new pedestrian and bicycle paths, improving connectivity, safety, and environmental sustainability for both travelers and the local community.

Mayor Paulette Guajardo emphasized the project’s role in boosting economic growth and enhancing the passenger experience, while Kevin Smith, CCIA Director of Aviation, highlighted the project’s focus on creating a safer, more sustainable transportation network. CCIA will contribute $3.1 million from its reserves to the project, with the grant funds to be utilized over the next five years.

Read the full press release here.

Austin-Bergstrom Airport Adds Three New Concessions to Barbara Jordan Terminal

Post Date: 1/29/25

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has added three new concessions to the Barbara Jordan Terminal, enhancing the travel experience. Half Moon Empanadas, a Miami-based, minority-owned eatery, offers handcrafted Latin empanadas on the non-secure side. The iconic Austin blues club Antone’s has opened an airport location, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a space reflecting the city's music heritage. HKG Duty Free now operates the airport’s duty-free store, providing a curated selection of luxury goods.

These additions showcase AUS’s commitment to Austin’s culture and improved amenities. “From handcrafted empanadas to Austin’s live music and a world-class shopping experience, we’re redefining travel at AUS,” said CEO Ghizlane Badawi. Travelers can find these new spots via the AUS Interactive Map, with more dining and shopping options coming in 2026 through the West Gate expansion.

Read the full press release here.

El Paso City Council Approves Construction of Advanced Manufacturing District at International Airport

Post Date: 1/22/25

The El Paso City Council has approved the first phase of the Advanced Manufacturing District (AMD) at El Paso International Airport, aiming to establish the city as a hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defense. The project is expected to create 17,000 jobs, including 4,000 engineering positions, by 2030.

Funded by a $40 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant, Phase 1 will include specialized facilities for small- and medium-sized manufacturers, fostering innovation and collaboration. The AMD will drive economic growth and attract new industries to the region.

Read the full press release here.

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new international arrivals curb opens at iah to improve passenger experience and traffic flow

Post Date: 12/17/24

Houston Airports has officially opened the new International Arrivals Curb at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), delivering a safer, more efficient experience for passengers and drivers. The modern design, which debuted on December 14, features eight dedicated pick-up lanes, expanded capacity, and streamlined traffic flow—just in time for the busy holiday travel season. The opening also marks the end of the temporary Terminal E curb, which had caused traffic bottlenecks since 2022.

This significant upgrade reflects Houston Airports’ commitment to improving the passenger experience and advancing international travel. The milestone was celebrated with a special guest—the Moon RACER, a lunar rover developed at the Houston Spaceport, highlighting Houston’s innovation and global connectivity.

Read the full press release here.

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San Antonio International Airport Unveils Plans for New World-Class Terminal

Post Date: 12/11/24

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is set to transform the passenger experience with its ELEVATE/SAT program, featuring a state-of-the-art terminal designed to accommodate record-breaking growth. Scheduled for completion by mid-2028, the new terminal will include up to 17 gates, 850,000 square feet of space, expanded concessions, and enhanced amenities like larger gate hold rooms, club lounges, and a Riparian Paseo entry inspired by the River Walk.

The project also includes improved roadways to ease congestion and a modern Federal Inspection Station to support expanded international service. By addressing growing demand and aging facilities, this expansion ensures SAT continues to drive economic growth while delivering a world-class experience for travelers.

Learn more about SAT’s terminal transformation.

DAL Wins Multiple Categories at Inaugural AirportNEXT Awards

Post Date: 9/26/24

Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) has been recognized with several prestigious honors at the first-ever AirportNEXT Awards. The airport won the Overall Award for Tier 4 Airports, which includes facilities serving more than 16 million passengers annually. DAL also secured awards in the Infrastructure and Facilities – Security category and Stakeholder Alignment – Government. These accolades highlight the airport’s exceptional operations and strong relationships with its stakeholders. The AirportNEXT program, launched by Airports Council International—North America (ACI-NA), celebrated these achievements at the 2024 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Airport Director Patrick Carreno emphasized DAL’s commitment to integrating top-notch infrastructure, effective processes, and robust community partnerships to serve nearly 18 million passengers each year. The AirportNEXT initiative, which began as a pilot project, aims to enhance stakeholder engagement and operational effectiveness across U.S. and Canadian airports. For more insights into the AirportNEXT program and its impact, check out the full article.

Wisk Aero and Houston Airports Partner for Autonomous Air Taxis in Houston

Post Date: 9/26/24

Wisk Aero and Houston Airports have announced a new partnership to introduce autonomous air taxis to the Greater Houston Region.

This collaboration includes identifying and assessing locations for vertiport infrastructure at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport. The initiative also aims to explore maintenance and training facilities and engage with local stakeholders to develop routes connecting Houston airports with the surrounding region. Wisk's 6th Generation aircraft, which are fully electric and significantly quieter than traditional helicopters, will play a key role in this innovative transportation solution.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Wisk CEO Brian Yutko highlighted the partnership’s potential to revolutionize urban mobility and drive economic growth. Over the next year, the two organizations will work together on infrastructure development, route planning, and regulatory discussions with the FAA. This agreement builds on Wisk’s earlier partnership with the City of Sugar Land and underscores Houston’s commitment to leading advancements in advanced air mobility. For more details, read the full press release.