Houston Airports earns ACI-NA workforce development accreditation

Aug 5, 2026

Level 1 designation recognizes employee training, professional development and aviation career outreach

HOUSTON — Houston Airports has earned Level 1 of the Airports Council International-North America Airport Workforce Development Accreditation, recognizing the organization’s commitment to employee learning, professional growth and workforce readiness.

The Level 1 designation, known as “Building the Base,” recognizes airports that establish foundational workforce practices and raise public awareness of the airport industry’s role in the community.

Houston Airports’ application highlighted several workforce development efforts, including:

• A $400,000 annual learning and development budget
• 1,008 hours of in-person training delivered to 1,300 employees through 49 courses in 2025
• Emotional intelligence and conflict resolution training for leaders at every level
• The eight-week RISE Leadership Program for supervisors
• Airport-specific online training through ACI
• “Stop the Bleed” training provided to all Houston Airports employees
• Youth engagement through the Houston Airports Aviation Club, Girls in Aviation Day and other career outreach programs
• Partnerships with local business organizations to promote supplier diversity, equitable procurement and airport career opportunities

The accreditation framework includes five progressive levels focused on foundational workforce practices, employee development, community outreach, industry partnerships and long-term workforce strategy.

Houston Airports was one of three airport organizations to earn Level 1 accreditation in 2026, joining Naples Airport and Rapid City Regional Airport. ACI-NA recognized six airport organizations across all accreditation levels June 24 during its Business of Airports Conference in Salt Lake City.

The accreditation is valid for one year and is administered by 4QD Strategy Consulting LLC. Additional information is available at astrongerairportworkforce.org.