Welcome toGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport

They are often the first people travelers see and the last to offer reassurance before boarding. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), the Houston Airports Volunteer Ambassadors are a crucial role in the airport system’s plan to deliver a world-class passenger experience, each and every time.During a recent recognition celebration at Houston City Hall, Houston Airports honored volunteers who have marked five, 10, and 15 years of service. Houston Airports Director Jim Szczesniak, along with the general managers for IAH and HOU and the Houston Airports Guest Experience team, personally thanked volunteers for a job well don. The luncheon also highlighted a broader message about consistency and reliability in a complex environment.“Milestones mattered, but the message was broader,” said Ella Ghica, manager of volunteer programs for Houston Airports. “Every volunteer plays a role in making our airports feel organized, functional and welcoming.”The Volunteer Ambassador Program began in the summer of 2002. Ghica joined in 2008, when the program had just eight volunteers. Today, the program includes 75 volunteers at Bush Airport and 49 at Hobby Airport. In 2025, volunteers contributed more than 14,222 hours of service, supporting millions of passengers moving through Houston’s airports. Volunteers assist with directions, accessibility needs and customer questions while adapting to changing conditions across terminals. Some step in on short notice to cover shifts. Others mentor new volunteers, maintain Little Free Libraries or support pet therapy teams.This year, Houston Airports also recognized 12 recipients of the Supportive Service Award, six at each airport. The award honors volunteers who regularly go beyond their assigned roles to keep the program running smoothly. Selecting recipients was difficult, Ghica said, because the same commitment shows up daily across the program.The volunteer corps also included 22 teen volunteers during the summer and three corporate partners, with plans to expand corporate participation as Houston prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Behind the scenes, the Volunteer Ambassador Program supports the mission of Houston Airports: to connect people, businesses, cultures and economies to Houston. For passengers, that mission is often experienced through a single interaction that helps them move forward with confidence.Those interested in joining the Volunteer Ambassador Program can learn more and apply at Fly2Houston.com.

On Saturday, December 20, United Airlines launched its first-ever nonstop service between the U.S. and Tepic/Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (TPQ), with George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serving as the route’s sole U.S. gateway.“United in Houston is known for, and continues to be, the gateway to Latin America,” said Phil Griffith, vice president of airport operations. “We’re proud to consistently offer impressive and unique routes out of IAH that our customers can appreciate and enjoy. Tepic and the Riviera Nayarit are a wonderful addition.”The new route operates once a week on Saturdays, with seasonal service available from mid-December to mid-August. It provides direct access to the Riviera Nayarit region, including coastal communities such as San Blas, eliminating the need for lengthy ground travel from other Mexican airports.The inaugural flight was operated on an Embraer E-175 regional jet with 76 seats and departed more than 90% full. The aircraft features Starlink Wi-Fi, part of United’s broader effort to modernize the in-flight experience across its regional fleet.With the addition of Tepic, United now serves 24 destinations in Mexico and 52 destinations across Latin America from IAH. Nearly half of those Latin destinations are served exclusively from Houston, reinforcing Bush Airport’s role as United’s primary Latin American hub.For passengers, the result is straightforward: a new nonstop option to a growing leisure destination. For Houston, it is another incremental expansion of its global network — one flight, one market and one connection at a time.

Frontier Airlines has launched new nonstop international service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), expanding Houston’s direct connections to Central America with inaugural flights to Guatemala City, Guatemala; San Salvador, El Salvador; and San Pedro Sula, Honduras.The new routes, which all be active as of December 20, add momentum to IAH’s growing global network and reinforce Houston’s long-standing role as a gateway to Latin America. Guatemala City marks Frontier’s first service to the country from Houston, while the El Salvador and Honduras routes introduce two new international destinations for the airline.“This new nonstop service to Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras expands Houston’s connections to Latin America and supports our regional economy by making it easier for travelers to reach the fourth-largest city in the U.S.,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “As we prepare to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, choice matters. This service strengthens our connectivity and reinforces Houston’s role as a global city.”Houston is the fourth-largest and most diverse city in the United States, and one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. Between 2023 and 2024, Houston ranked second in population growth nationwide, underscoring the demand for expanded air service that connects families, businesses and cultures across borders.That demand is already reflected in travel trends. In 2024, more than 5 million passengers flew between Houston and Mexico, a 3% increase from 2023. An additional 3.6 million travelers flew between Houston and Central or South America, representing a 9% increase from 2023.For Houston travelers, Central America offers close, affordable access to rich cultural and natural experiences. Guatemala is known for its Mayan heritage, colonial cities such as Antigua and dramatic volcanic landscapes. El Salvador continues to gain attention for eco-tourism and surfing along the Pacific coast, while Honduras offers coral reefs near Roatán and the commercial and cultural hub of San Pedro Sula. Each destination is roughly a three-hour flight from Houston.For travelers arriving from Central America, Houston represents family ties, opportunity and cultural connection. The city is home to vibrant Guatemalan and Honduran communities and one of the largest Salvadoran populations in the United States. Neighborhood restaurants, community organizations and consulates help make Houston feel like a second home, while the city’s broader offerings — from world-class dining and professional sports to NASA and the arts — continue to attract visitors from across the region.The timing of the new routes aligns with Houston’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Houston offers nonstop service to every North American host city for the tournament, and expanded international connectivity is expected to play a key role as fans, families and visitors travel to and through the region.