Houston Airports anticipates busy Memorial Day, summer travel season

May 19, 2025

New flights, concessions, a redesigned website and updates to TSA welcome millions this summer.

HOUSTON— Houston Airports is poised to welcome millions this summer, supported by new enhancements that improve the travel experience.

More than 1.3 million travelers are expected at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) from May 22 to 28. While Memorial Day passenger traffic is slightly below last year’s record, Houston is expected to set a new travel record this summer.

Houston Airports projects that 19.5 million people will fly through IAH or HOU from Memorial Day to Labor Day—an increase of more than 250,000 passengers over 2024.

“Air travel drives jobs, business and tourism—and this summer, Houston Airports is powering that growth,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “From streamlined security to a smarter website to new flights and fresh amenities, we’re delivering improvements that support Mayor Whitmire’s call for a more user-friendly Houston. These upgrades aren’t just about moving people—they’re about moving our economy forward.”

Houston Airports continues to implement initiatives that enhance efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

• New concessions at IAH and HOU: Travelers at HOU can now enjoy The Rustic, Chick-fil-A, Pei-Wei and Throughgood Bistro. IAH adds Hip & Humble, a boutique shopping experience to Terminal D.
• Redesigned Fly2Houston.com: The new mobile-first website improves navigation, supports multiple languages, includes advanced accessibility tools and features a 24/7 AI chatbot to answer travel questions in real-time.
• New nonstop service: Alaska Airlines connects IAH to Portland, Oregon, as of May 14. Allegiant Airlines connects HOU to Gulf Shores, Alabama, as of May 22.
• TSA Precheck for connecting international passengers: Connecting international passengers who clear Customs at IAH can now recheck bags and proceed directly to the TSA PreCheck lane without exiting the terminal. This enhancement speeds up re-entry and improves the overall international connection experience.

While the busiest days will be Thursday, May 22; Friday, May 23; and Monday, May 26, Houston Airports is also preparing for a second surge following Houston ISD’s last day of school on June 4. Last year, June 6 ranked among the five busiest TSA days of the year.

Reminder: Traffic flow changes are in place at Bush Airport

Houston Airports encourages travelers to follow these simple tips to ensure a stress-free journey:

1. Arrive Early: Allow extra time for parking, check-in and security screening.
2. Book Parking: Reserve online at Fly2Houston.com/parking at least 12 hours before arriving.
3. Use Cell lots: When picking up, use cell lots until your passenger is ready at the curb.
4. Stay Informed: Visit Fly2Houston.com for real-time updates, flight information and travel tips.

“We’re ready to welcome millions with efficiency and a warm Houston spirit,” said Szczesniak. “This summer, travelers will see and feel the difference we’ve made.”