United Opens New Terminal B North Concourse at Houston IAH

United yesterday previewed its new Terminal B North Concourse at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), a three-level, 765,000 square-foot, 22 mainline gate facility that opens to the public today.

Largest Airline Club in the Americas
- The new Terminal B North includes a 54,000-square-foot United Club, the largest airline lounge in North and South America.
- The club offers seating for 800 travelers.
- Passengers can enjoy panoramic airfield views and a 1,350-square-foot outdoor terrace.
- The lounge features two full-service bars, two buffet stations, 11 private phone rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and extensive charging facilities.
- United now operates seven lounges and club locations at IAH, including the United Polaris Lounge and United Club Fly.

Enhanced Passenger Experience
- The terminal features soaring ceilings, open gathering spaces, and expansive airfield views.
- A dedicated sensory room has been created for travelers with autism and sensory sensitivities.
- The facility includes tactile, auditory, visual, and multisensory experiences designed to create a more inclusive travel environment.
- Every United flight operating from the North Concourse will board via a jet bridge, improving convenience and comfort.

Operational and Infrastructure Upgrades
- The North Concourse includes 22 new gates designed for narrow-body aircraft.
- The South Concourse features 26 upgraded gates with accommodations for larger regional aircraft.
- A new advanced baggage handling system has been installed to support increased passenger volumes.
- Additional roadway and curbside capacity have been added to improve airport access.
- The redevelopment increases peak travel capacity by 40% compared to 2023 levels.

Houston's Role as a Global Hub
- United serves 65 international destinations from Houston.
- The airline operates flights to 57 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean, more than from any other United hub.
- United's 2026 schedule represents its largest Houston operation in more than a decade.
- The airline offers nearly 17 million annual seats from Houston.

New and Expanded Routes
- United is launching new service from Houston to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico.
- The airline will introduce nonstop flights to Cartagena, Colombia, in December.
- Nonstop service to Caracas, Venezuela, is scheduled to begin in January.
- United plans to restart flights to Chihuahua, Mexico, next spring.
- The expanded route network strengthens Houston's position as a gateway to Latin America.

Houston-Inspired Art Program
- The terminal features a $16.8 million public art program, the largest art investment at IAH to date.
- Ten large-scale art installations are displayed throughout the facility.
- The artworks reflect Houston's bayous, cultural diversity, innovation, and history.
- Notable installations include The Digital Bayou and works by local, national, and international artists.

Sustainability Initiatives
- The facility is pursuing LEED Gold Certification.
- The terminal is projected to reduce energy costs by 29%.
- Indoor water consumption is expected to decrease by more than 35%.
- The project includes 91 charging stations for ground support equipment.
- Additional sustainability measures include advanced air quality systems, recycling facilities, and energy-efficient infrastructure.

Dining and Retail Offerings
- More than 105,000 square feet have been dedicated to retail and concessions.
- Local dining options include B&B Butchers & Restaurant, Rosie Cannonball, Pizaro's Pizza, Blood Bros. BBQ, Katz Coffee, and Blue Bell Creameries.
- National brands include Starbucks, Raising Cane's, Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's, Smashburger, Jamba, Auntie Anne's, and Cinnabon.
- A Be Relax Spa and premium retail stores are also part of the new terminal experience.
- United plans to introduce food delivery through its mobile app later this year, allowing customers to order meals and travel essentials for pickup or gate delivery.

Economic Impact and Investment
- United has invested more than $3.5 billion in Houston's airport infrastructure since 2015.
- The Terminal B project supported approximately 3,000 construction-related jobs.
- The development involved partnerships with 308 Houston-based suppliers.
- United employs more than 14,000 people in Houston and operates around 500 daily departures from IAH.
- The airline's direct employment contributes more than $1.2 billion in annual economic activity to the Houston region.