Houston Airports opens restrooms as $30M renovation continues

Phased restroom renovations continue at Hobby and Bush airports through 2027.

May 20, 2026

It is one of the most used spaces in any airport, yet often one of the least talked about: Restrooms.

Houston Airports has opened newly renovated restrooms at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), marking the latest milestone in a $30 million, multi-year program to modernize restrooms.

Restrooms near IAH Gates A12, A25 and D7, along with HOU Gates 28-32, opened within the first five months of 2026. Renovated restrooms in Terminal A Baggage Claim at IAH are expected to open before the summer.

The upgrades are visible to passengers—brighter lighting, larger stalls, cleaner finishes—but they are also operational, designed to improve reliability, accessibility and the overall flow of the airport experience.

In 2025, restrooms at HOU recorded approximately 12 million visits, while restrooms in IAH Terminals A and D recorded approximately 19 million visits.

In 2024, Mayor Whitmire challenged Houston Airports to prioritize aging infrastructure, including the approximately 20-year-old restrooms at IAH. Upgrades include:

• Expanded stalls to accommodate carry-on luggage • Improved ADA accessibility • New flooring, wall finishes and modern lighting • Upgraded fixtures designed for durability and cleanliness • Smart technology that alerts staff when supplies need to be replenished

The work is being completed in phases to keep restrooms available throughout construction. Future phases will include new family rooms and a Companion Care Changing Room, expanding accessibility for travelers with diverse needs.

$21.6 million of the $30 million restroom modernization program is funded through federal grants awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), supporting the need for continued investment in critical airport infrastructure.

Clean, modern and reliable restrooms reflect how an airport operates, how it prioritizes passengers and how it prepares for the future.