Houston Airports sets fiscal-year cargo record after best month ever

Aug 21, 2026

HOUSTON — Houston Airports handled more cargo in fiscal year 2026 than during any previous fiscal year, with e-commerce demand and international shipments helping drive the strongest month in the airport system’s history.

Air cargo is the movement of goods by airplane. Shipments travel on aircraft built specifically to carry freight or in the cargo holds beneath passenger cabins.

By the numbers

• Record fiscal year: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) handled 598,139 metric tons of cargo during the 12-month period ending June 30, 2026. That is about 1.3 billion pounds and 7.2% more cargo than in fiscal 2025.
• Best month ever: IAH and HOU handled 58,081 metric tons in June 2026, or about 128 million pounds. That was 20.4% more cargo than in June 2025.
• Houston outpaced the market: Houston’s cargo volume grew 20.4% in June, compared with 13.1% across North America and 8.5% worldwide.

“Air cargo is Houston’s economy in motion,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “These records show Houston businesses are reaching customers worldwide and global companies are choosing Houston to move their goods. That is a clear win for our workforce, economy and long-term competitiveness.”

IAH accounted for more than 98% of the airport system’s fiscal 2026 cargo. The airport handled 588,002 metric tons during the fiscal year and 57,159 metric tons in June, setting annual and monthly records.

Houston Airports is a major driver of the regional economy, with air cargo operations alone generating $13.8 billion in cargo-related economic output. The continued growth in cargo volumes reflects how closely IAH is connected to Houston's core industries.

IAH anchors regional supply chains for energy and industrial manufacturing as a long-established heavy-freight hub equipped to handle the massive, high-value and highly specialized machinery required by the oil, gas and energy sectors.

Houston's growing aerospace and technology sectors also generate demand for electronics, advanced manufacturing parts and aerospace logistics. For perishables and cold-chain cargo, IAH has advanced its cold-storage and specialized handling infrastructure to keep time-sensitive shipments and fresh products moving securely through international channels.

Demand for e-commerce and distribution continues to grow as consumers expect faster fulfillment. Major freighter operators have expanded service at IAH to meet growing domestic and international e-commerce demand.

The airport system's ability to handle everything from delicate perishables to massive aerospace components provides a competitive advantage for businesses across Houston and Texas.