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The Houston Airport System (HAS) provides a vital economic engine for Houston’s economy. HAS, a department of the City of Houston, operates the three major airports serving the City of Houston and the Greater Houston metropolitan region -- George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU), and Ellington Field (EFD).
The Houston Airports are a major contributor to the economic growth and vitality of the greater Houston region. They generate more than $24 billion each year for the region’s economy, and create and support more than 151,000 jobs.
Houston’s population, employment and economic growth are fueled in large part by the Houston Airports and the passenger and cargo flights that connect Houston to the rest of the U.S. and international markets. Houston’s stature as a premier gateway to the world can only be sustained by a vibrant and thriving air transportation system, able to support and create new opportunities for travel and trade for Houston-area residents, businesses and visitors.
The record 52 million passengers who traveled through the Houston Airports in 2007 are projected to grow to 80 million by the year 2020. To accommodate this rapid growth, the Houston Airport System will need to continually improve and expand airport facilities and capacity.
In 2006, the FAA admonished the city of Houston for allowing incompatible development to encroach into areas affected by airport operations.
In a letter, they asked the City to adopt measures that ensure compatible land development and would protect the FAA’s investment of grant funds in the three airports.
In an effort to promote compatible land uses the City of Houston is proposing new regulations to control future development around the three airports.
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