According to a 2016 year-end traffic report, Houston Airports saw more than 54.5 million passengers in 2016. More than 11.5 million international travelers passed through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in 2016, an increase of 7.6 percent over the previous year. This is due in large part to the continued expansion by international carriers launching new service and routes from IAH and the establishment of international commercial air service at Hobby.

“More and more airlines are finding Houston attractive due to our favorable location with easy connections to destinations in the United States and Latin America as well as our friendly business and tourist climate,” said Houston Airports Director of Air Service Development Molly Waits. “We look forward to continued success for our airline partners as we work with them to promote and grow air travel from Houston.”

Bush Airport serves as a global gateway to more than 70 international destinations and offers service to more Mexican destinations than any other U.S. airport. Bush Airport saw record highs in its international passenger totals — more than 10.7 million travelers passed through the airport in 2016, an increase of 1.5 percent over the previous year.

Hobby Airport saw more than 12.9 million passengers in 2016, a six percent increase over the previous year. The growing numbers are nothing new: Demand for travel from Hobby Airport has increased steadily over the past decade, growing by more than 46 percent over the past 10 years. Southwest Airlines began international flights in late 2015, and 2016 marks the first full year of international passenger traffic from Hobby with more than 800,000 passengers taking advantage of commercial service to international destinations.

Last year was a busy year for Houston Airports:

-          Hobby Airport was recognized as a 4-star airport by Skytrax, making it one of just three airports in the United States to earn the special rating.

-          Houston Airports' award-winning website was unveiled in May 2016 which focuses completely on the passenger journey—from getting to the airport to getting to the gate for a flight.

-          A second ecopark location opened in Spring 2016, giving passengers access to an additional 2,300 covered spaces at an economical rate.

-          AirBridge Cargo’s expansion included the launch of a Houston to Abu Dhabi flight.

-          American Express opened its Centurion Lounge in Terminal D.

-          TSA Pre✓® application centers opened at Bush and Hobby airports.

-          U.S. Customs and Border Protection expanded Mobile Passport Control to Houston Airports. 

-          EVA Air increased Houston flights to daily service.

-          Spirit Airlines added two destinations to its Houston route map.

-          Singapore Airlines expanded service along its new route to Manchester, England with the A350 aircraft.

-          And passengers were met with a diverse selection of new food and beverage and shop options with the rollout of a new concessions program.

To view the report click here.