In Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has commenced international operations from its expanded Terminal E, marking a major milestone in the airport’s redevelopment programme.
From Friday 27 February, international passengers began flying with Air France and KLM with Terminal E as their dedicated check-in location. These airlines were the first carriers to transition from Terminal D to the upgraded facility, followed by Lufthansa on 3 March. Additional airlines are expected to follow in phases over the coming weeks.
The opening represents the beginning of the final stage of the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, a multi-year investment aimed at modernising infrastructure and streamlining the passenger journey at one of the United States’ busiest international gateways.
Under the new layout, travellers check in at Terminal E before proceeding through a 17-lane Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, offering both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ services. Once through security, passengers continue to their departure gates, while airline lounges remain in their existing locations.
Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports said:This is about giving our passengers the world-class experience they deserve the moment they walk into the terminal. As we prepare to welcome soccer fans and introduce new nonstop flights to Rome this summer, Terminal E serves as a source of pride for Houstonians and reflects the city’s role as a leading international gateway and improves efficiency for our passengers.
The expanded Terminal E features self-service bag drop stations and upgraded check-in kiosks, allowing passengers to select their airline, choose a language and scan their passport to begin the process.
A key addition is the Amadeus bag drop system, widely deployed at major European airports. The technology enables passengers on participating airlines to check luggage quickly and independently, or receive assistance from an airline agent if required. IAH is the first airport in Texas and the second in the United States to introduce the system.
The redevelopment has also expanded kerbside capacity, with 11 departure lanes and eight arrival lanes now in operation, helping to ease traffic flow during peak periods.
Passengers will also find new pre-security dining options offering hot meals, coffee, alcoholic beverages and grab-and-go items, while secure-side concessions include Einstein Bros. Bagels and Chick-fil-A.
Meanwhile, a high-definition LED Oculus display, visible from both Departures and Arrivals levels, serves as a central architectural feature of the terminal.
With further airline relocations planned in the weeks ahead, the opening of the expanded Terminal E signals a significant step towards consolidating and enhancing the international departure experience at IAH.
