Welcome toWilliam P. Hobby Airport

In an industry where food, retail and hospitality shape the passenger journey long before wheels leave the runway, Houston Airports just raised the bar.At the 2026 Airport Experience Conference, the Houston Airports concessions program at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) earned two of the industry’s highest honors in the medium and small airport category:- Airport with the best overall concessions program — William P. Hobby Airport- Airport with the best commercial team — William P. Hobby AirportThe awards were announced Feb. 25 during the AX Awards ceremony in Nashville, where members of the Houston Airports Concessions team accepted the honors.The concessions program at Hobby Airport includes prime concession partners Areas, LaTrelle’s Galley, Hudson (Avolta), HMSHost, Paradies Lagardère and Smarte Carte.The recognition affirms something passengers at HOU already feel: thoughtful planning, strong local partnerships and a commercial strategy built around experience.“This recognition belongs to our entire concessions team and our partners who show up every day committed to quality and hospitality,” said Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial development officer for Houston Airports. “At Hobby Airport, we’ve been intentional about creating a program that reflects Houston’s flavor, supports local businesses and elevates the passenger experience from curb to gate.”The wins reflect years of strategic redevelopment at HOU, where Houston Airports has focused on curating local brands, enhancing customer service standards and strengthening collaboration between airport leadership and concessionaires.Concessions partners also received national recognition:- Best bar experience — medium and small airports: The Rustic by LaTrelle’s at HOU- Best overall retailer — small operators: Cediel Concessions Management at IAHFor passengers, that translates into something tangible: authentic Texas hospitality, chef-driven menus, distinctive retail and an atmosphere that feels less like a layover and more like a welcome.The Airport Experience Conference brings together airport operators, brands and industry leaders from across North America to spotlight innovation in food, beverage and retail inside terminals. Awards are based on industry voting and peer recognition.As passenger traffic continues to grow and Houston prepares to welcome soccer fans from around the world, the concessions strategy remains clear: make passengers happy, invest in partnerships, and build platforms for future success.Travelers passing through HOU are encouraged to arrive early and explore the award-winning offerings.Common Bond Bistro and Bakery and Landry’s Seafood House will be the latest local favorites to open at HOU later this year.EXPLORE: Dining Options at HOUEXPLORE: Dining Options at IAH

Houston doesn’t see many freezes, but when it does, the airports feel it first.Outside, temperatures had dropped below freezing — an uncommon stress test for a region built for heat, humidity and hurricanes. Inside, travelers rolled suitcases, paused at information desks and adjusted plans in real time. Houston Airports employees in bright orange jackets were already in place, answering questions and pointing the way forward.That steadiness did not happen by accident.Nearly a week earlier, as forecasts began to harden, Houston Airports leadership initiated preparations that most passengers would never see. Equipment was rehearsed. Plants and pipes were protected. Staffing plans were adjusted. Employees were given time to secure their homes and families before reporting for extended shifts.“What stands out most is how steady our people were,” said Kelly Woodward, chief operating officer for Houston Airports. “Clear communication, teamwork and a focus on service carried us through long shifts and cold nights.”Across George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Airport, employees moved into 12-hour rotations. Some slept at the airport so operations could continue without interruption. Emergency Operations Centers were activated at Bush and Hobby. Facilities stayed clean, accessible and safe. Passenger flights continued. Cargo kept moving. Systems held.“This is what being ready to fly looks like,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “Preparation, discipline and people who know their jobs. Our teams followed the checklist and made decisions early, when it still mattered.”Much of that work unfolded outdoors.Airfield and maintenance crews treated bridges, overpasses and pavement in freezing conditions that leave little room for error. Inside terminals, operations teams coordinated continuously with airlines, federal partners and the City of Houston.“Our employees were everywhere passengers needed them,” Woodward said. “Answering questions. Giving directions. Assisting travelers with disabilities. Keeping facilities safe and clean. That level of care doesn’t stop when conditions get hard.”At Hobby Airport, a customer service representative stood near an information desk, radio clipped at their side, scanning the terminal for the next traveler who might need help. Nearby, another leaned in to explain rebooking options to a family whose flight had changed overnight.Those quiet, practical moments — what Houston Airports calls Houston Friendly — repeated themselves hundreds of times across the system.They were shaped by hard-earned experience.After Winter Storm Uri exposed deep vulnerabilities across Texas in 2021, Houston Airports took a critical look at its cold-weather readiness. That review led to a significant investment in specialized deicing and snow-removal equipment, acquired in 2023 and maintained on site at Bush and Hobby by Top Dog Services.The payoff came quickly.In January 2025, another round of extreme cold tested the region. Houston Airports activated early planning protocols, coordinated across agencies and maintained operations while much of the area braced for disruption. The systems held because they were already in place.This winter, coordination extended beyond airport property. METRO adjusted service as conditions worsened. Airlines issued weather waivers and rebooked passengers. Travelers were urged to slow down, allow extra time and stay in close contact with their carriers.Many did.City leaders and the traveling public largely heeded those warnings, easing pressure on roadways and terminals during the most challenging hours. That shared restraint allowed airport teams to focus on what they could control — safety, communication and continuity.Another cold snap may still be ahead.Houston Airports is not waiting for it to arrive. In a city where winter storms are rare and expectations are high, readiness is no longer a reaction. It’s a discipline — practiced early, reinforced often and carried out by people who understand what it means to keep a major Southern hub flying when the forecast turns unforgiving.

Passengers should consider airline travel waivers before traveling this weekend.The National Weather Service is monitoring potential winter weather impacts to the Houston region between Saturday, January 24 and Tuesday, January 27.BEFORE HEADING TO THE AIRPORT: Houston Airports encourages passengers with flexible travel plans to review airline travel waiver options. Many airlines are offering temporary travel waivers that allow passengers to rebook flights at no additional cost if weather conditions affect operations. Taking advantage of these options early can help travelers adjust plans and reduce unnecessary trips to the airport during periods of disruption.Passengers should check directly with their airline for the most current waiver details and rebooking policies, as terms vary by carrier.RESOURCES- FAA Winter Weather Resources- U.S. Dept. of Transportation Airline Cancellation and Delay DashboardAIRLINES- AeroMexico Travel Alerts- Air Canada Travel Alerts- Air France Flight Status- Air New Zealand Travel Alerts- Alaska Airlines Travel Alerts- Allegiant Air Travel Alerts - American Airlines Travel Alerts- ANA Travel Information- Avianca Flight Status- Avelo Airlines Travel Advisory- British Airways Flight Status- Delta Airlines Weather Alerts- Emirates Flight Status- EVA Air Flight Status- Frontier Airlines Travel Alert- JetBlue Travel Alerts- KLM Flight Status- Lufthansa Flight Status- Qatar Airways Flight Status- Southwest Airlines Travel Advisory- Spirit Airlines Travel Advisory- Sun Country Airlines Travel Advisories- Turkish Airlines Flight Status- United Airlines Travel Alerts- Viva Flight Status- Volaris Flight Status- West Jet Travel Advisories- ZIPAIR Flight StatusMORE TRAVEL ADVICEHouston Airports is monitoring the forecast as the region prepares for the potential for icy conditions in the coming days. According to the National Weather Service, even small temperature changes can affect how winter weather systems behave, and forecasts may continue to evolve.While no snow is expected locally, airport teams are taking proactive steps to support normal operations, including preparing roadways and airfield surfaces as a precaution.Travelers should also keep in mind that winter storms may impact their destination or connecting cities, even if conditions in Houston remain limited. Checking weather conditions along your entire route can help you plan ahead and reduce surprises.- Check your flight status directly with your airline- Watch for airline travel waivers or flexible rebooking options- Review weather conditions at your destination and any connecting cities- Allow extra time to get to the airport, especially during early morning hours- Continue to check Fly2Houston.com for updatesCHANGED YOUR FLIGHT? DON'T FORGET TO ADJUST YOUR PARKING RESERVATIONYou can edit your parking reservation from the link provided in your confirmation email. Need more help? Email sgi.service@spplus.comFAQs: Navigating delays during severe weatherHOW WE PREPAREHouston Airports is coordinating with federal partners, airlines and the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management ahead of the potential winter storm.Houston Airports has its own deicing equipment and materials at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Specialized teams are ready to treat airfields and airport roadways.Teams tested the equipment earlier this week. Pre-treatment operations are scheduled to begin Saturday afternoon and will continue as needed based on weather conditions.- Friction tests on runways are conducted regularly to ensure aircraft safety.- Houston Airports owns and uses deicing equipment that can spray, spread and sweep a deicing treatment on the airfield.- We are wrapping exposed piping.- We are working with Houston Public Works to monitor and, if necessary, treat roadway overpasses.- We are protecting the water sources that service aircraft, (think of it like a water spigot for airplane maintenance.)- We are monitoring boiler operations at IAH and HOU.- We are preparing employees to work extended hours as needed.- We are working with airlines to minimize operational disruptions.OUR EQUIPMENTSince December 2023, Houston Airports has contracted Top Dog Services to operate and maintain the heavy machinery—including snowplows—needed to treat and clear runways and taxiways, keeping the airport operational. All equipment is stored at IAH and HOU.Bush Airport has 5 runways and:- 110,250 pounds of deicing pellets- 33,400 gallons of deicing liquidHobby Airport has 3 runways and:- 63,945 pounds of deicing pellets- 18,325 gallons of deicing liquid