HOUSTON – Houston Airports is planning a small-business insurance program, a 183-acre cargo expansion at Bush Intercontinental Airport and new passenger amenities at both major airports, Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak announced at the Greater Houston Partnership’s 2026 State of the Airports.
The six initiatives also include a pharmaceutical cargo certification at Bush, faster processing for some Global Entry travelers and a new completion timeline for Hobby Airport’s seven-gate West Concourse expansion.
Houston Airports said the plans support Mayor John Whitmire’s priorities to improve the passenger experience, strengthen infrastructure and expand opportunities for local businesses.
“We’re investing in the passenger experience while creating more opportunities for Houston businesses to grow with us,” Szczesniak said.
The proposed program, called AirsideDrive, is intended to reduce insurance costs for qualified small businesses seeking airport contracts. It would provide $9 million in excess auto liability coverage on top of a company’s required $1 million underlying coverage while authorized vehicles are operating in airport airside areas. The program would not change safety standards or guarantee contracts.
Houston Airports hopes to launch AirsideDrive in January 2027. A similar program at Denver International Airport has generated insurance savings of up to 70% for participating businesses, according to the airport system.
At Hobby, the nearly $500 million West Concourse project—developed with Southwest Airlines—remains on schedule for phased completion beginning in the first quarter of 2027. The expansion will add seven gates, a new baggage system and a covered walkway between the parking garage and terminal.
Bush Airport’s East Cargo area could grow from about 100 acres to approximately 283 acres. Future tenants could develop warehouses, parking and other facilities. Houston Airports expects to seek proposals for the expansion in early 2027, saying the additional space could support the region’s energy, aerospace, biotechnology and logistics industries.
The airport also gained a certified pharmaceutical cargo handler. Dnata Cargo USA received the International Air Transport Association’s CEIV Pharma certification for its Bush Airport operations, recognizing its handling of shipments that require controlled temperatures.
Plans for Bush’s cell-phone waiting area along John F. Kennedy Boulevard would add a fuel station, electric-vehicle chargers, a convenience store, public restrooms and quick-service restaurants.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has confirmed Bush will be among eight airports receiving Global Entry Walk-Through technology in December. The system is designed to let eligible members continue walking through the processing area as cameras use facial comparison to verify their identities, rather than requiring a stop at a kiosk. CBP is currently piloting the technology.
The announcements follow a year in which Houston Airports opened 22 gates in Bush’s new Terminal B and handled a record 598,139 metric tons of cargo at Bush and Hobby.
Houston Airports supports more than 200,000 local jobs and generates about $40 billion in annual economic activity.
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