Houston Airports Heralds Unprecedented Holiday Travel Milestone and Remarkable 99% Traffic Drop at IAH!

HOUSTON— Houston Airports is commemorating a holiday travel season that broke records, characterized by a surge in passenger numbers and major declines in roadway congestion at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Although the official holiday travel period concludes today, preliminary data reveals that from December 20 to December 30, 2024, Bush Airport accommodated 1.7 million travelers—300,000 more than the same timeframe in 2023.

In spite of this increase in passenger volume, Houston Airports accomplished significant advancements in traffic flow, underscoring the effectiveness of recent infrastructure enhancements, improved customer service approaches, and operational advancements.

Traffic declines that establish a new benchmark 
Throughout the 11-day holiday travel span:

Last Christmas, motorists dealt with 5.4 hours of severe traffic conditions when entering IAH. This year, severe traffic was curtailed to just 2 minutes.

Enhancing the travel experience 
“Our aim was to ensure a seamless journey during one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” stated Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “The outcomes indicate that our investments in infrastructure, technology, and customer service are yielding positive results. We take pride in our team and the traveling public for collaborating to make this holiday season successful. Our coordinated efforts between Houston Airports and Houston Police ensured smooth traffic flow at our departure curbs while passengers followed instructions and effectively utilized cell phone lots. These initiatives, combined with enhancements like the new International Arrivals Curb and expanded entrance for Terminal C garage, reflect our dedication to providing world-class service and efficiency.”

Significant enhancements made a difference 
Houston Airports enacted various strategic improvements in 2024 to assist holiday travelers:

Fulfilling our promise
“Our priority remains delivering a safe, stress-free experience,” remarked Kelly Woodward, chief operating officer for Houston Airports. “These upgrades enabled us to cater to record passenger numbers while ensuring smooth traffic flow. It’s a win for travelers and our city.”

Looking ahead: Commitment to advancement
Enhancements at IAH are ongoing as the new International Central Processor opens in the first of two phases. In early 2025, 11 lanes on the upper level will open as United Airlines shifts Terminal E check-in operations to the new facility.

The construction projects, encompassing the IAH International Terminal, the IAH Terminal B Transformation, and the HOU 7-gate expansion, exemplify Houston Airports’ commitment to collaborating with stakeholders and airline partners to enhance critical infrastructure while prioritizing passenger experience with minimal disruptions during peak travel times. Houston Airports remains dedicated to maintaining passenger confidence and leading the industry in efficiency, service, and innovation.