Ruth Haines
William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, is a busy airport with a range of facilities for travellers. The airport has a single terminal with two concourses: the Central Concourse and the International Concourse. The Central Concourse has 25-26 gates, numbered 20 to 32 and 40 to 51, while the International Concourse has 5 gates, numbered 1 to 5. The airport is expanding, with $450 million being invested in adding seven new gates, six of which will be for Southwest Airlines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Terminals | 1 |
| Number of Concourses | 2 |
| Number of Gates | 30 (25 in the Central Concourse and 5 in the International Concourse) |
| Number of Baggage Claim Carousels | 3 |
| Number of Parking Garages | 3 (Red, Blue, and Ecopark) |
| Number of Runways | 4 |
What You'll Learn
The Central Concourse has 25-26 gates
The Central Concourse at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston, Texas, has 25-26 gates numbered 20 to 32 and 40 to 51. The concourse is located on the second level of the airport's single terminal, which is also home to the international concourse. The terminal has three levels: the first is for arrivals, with baggage claim and ground transportation; the second is for departures and ticketing; and the third houses a pedestrian bridge that connects to the Blue Garage.
The Central Concourse offers a good selection of shops and restaurants, and passengers can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. For those seeking a quiet space, there is an interfaith chapel located near gate 44 on the lower level. The USO Lounge, also near gate 44, is available for active military personnel and their families, offering TV, computers, snacks, and more.
The Central Concourse is easily accessible from the parking lot, with the Red Garage located directly across from the terminal and connected to the second level. The Blue Garage is also nearby, with a pedestrian bridge connecting it to the third level of the terminal.
In addition to the Central Concourse, HOU's international concourse has five gates, four of which are dedicated to Southwest Airlines' international services. The international concourse features biometric entry and exit systems for expedited processing of international travellers.
With a focus on providing a seamless travel experience, William P. Hobby Airport offers a range of amenities and efficient wayfinding. The airport is committed to meeting the needs of its growing number of passengers, as evidenced by its investment of $450 million towards the addition of seven new gates and improvements to baggage handling, restrooms, and other facilities.
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The International Concourse has 5 gates
The William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, is a busy airport that served 14 million passengers in 2023. The airport has a single terminal with two concourses: the Central Concourse and the International Concourse.
The International Concourse at the William P. Hobby Airport has 5 gates, exclusively serving international flights. Four of these five gates are dedicated to Southwest Airlines' international services. The concourse is equipped with all the necessary facilities for international travel, including Federal Inspection Services, Passport Inspection, and Global Entry.
The International Concourse is designed to streamline the travel experience for international passengers. It features biometric entry and exit systems, expediting the processing of incoming and outgoing travellers. This efficient system enhances the overall airport experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable for those travelling abroad.
The International Concourse also offers a range of amenities to cater to the needs of international travellers. In addition to the essential services, passengers can access restaurants, cafeterias, shops, duty-free stores, ATMs, currency exchange services, and more. The concourse is well-equipped to provide a comfortable and convenient environment for those awaiting their flights or connecting to other destinations.
The William P. Hobby Airport's focus on international travel and commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through the design and amenities of the International Concourse contribute to its reputation as a premier travel hub in Houston and beyond.
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The airport has 31-32 gates in total
The William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, has 31-32 gates in total. The airport consists of a single terminal with two concourses: the Central Concourse and the International Concourse. The Central Concourse has 25-26 gates, numbered 20 to 32 and 40 to 51. It offers a selection of shops and restaurants, as well as a USO Lounge and a chapel near gate 44. The International Concourse has 5-6 gates, numbered 1 to 5, and also features shops and restaurants. The two concourses are connected by a long corridor with moving walkways, allowing passengers to easily access concessions in both areas.
The Central Concourse primarily serves domestic flights, while the International Concourse handles international flights and features biometric entry and exit systems for expedited processing. The International Concourse began operations in 2015, while the domestic concourse opened in 2003.
In July 2023, Hobby Airport announced a $450 million expansion project that includes the addition of seven new gates, six of which will be for Southwest Airlines. This expansion aims to accommodate the growth of Southwest and other airlines operating at the airport, further strengthening Houston's global reach. The project also includes enhancements to baggage claim carousels, the baggage handling system, restrooms, and other improvements to support increased capacity.
The William P. Hobby Airport is one of three airports serving Houston, Texas, and it is the second-largest airport in the city and the 37th busiest in North America. The airport provides easy access from the parking lot to the terminal and offers various amenities, including restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, a play area, baby facilities, and little libraries.
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Southwest Airlines is funding an expansion for 7 new gates
Southwest Airlines is funding an expansion of Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) with $450 million for seven new gates. This expansion will be funded by the Houston Airport System's construction and improvement funds. Six of the seven gates will be for Southwest Airlines, with the remaining gate being allocated to another airline.
The addition of these new gates will increase the airport's capacity and enhance its ability to accommodate current and future growth. The expansion project also includes improvements to the baggage handling system, upgrades to restrooms, and additional baggage claim carousels to better serve passengers.
Houston's William P. Hobby Airport currently consists of a single terminal with two concourses: the Central Concourse and the International Concourse. The Central Concourse has 25 gates numbered 20 to 32 and 40 to 50, while the International Concourse has five gates numbered 1 to 5. The airport served 14 million passengers in 2023, with Southwest Airlines serving the majority of its route network.
The expansion of Hobby Airport is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the airport's facilities and services. Previous improvements include the addition of new dining and retail options, the installation of advanced security screening equipment, and the development of the ticketing lobby area. The airport is an important hub for Southwest Airlines and plays a key role in providing air connectivity for passengers travelling through the region.
With the expansion, Hobby Airport aims to strengthen Houston's global reach and continue its contribution to the city's economy and employment. The increased capacity will also benefit Houston's thriving aviation industry and reinforce the city's position as a premier tourist destination.
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The airport has 4 runways
William P. Hobby Airport, Houston's oldest commercial airport, has four runways: 4/22, 12L/30R, 12R/30L, and 17/35. Each runway is equipped with advanced navigational aids and lighting systems, ensuring safe takeoffs and landings. Runway 4/22, measuring 7,602 feet long and 150 feet wide, is crucial during Houston's foggy season due to its low approach minimums. The airport recently completed a safety improvement project, reopening Runway 4-22 and modernizing outdated runway and taxiway intersections to enhance safety and efficiency.
The four runways at Hobby Airport offer a range of lengths and surface materials. Runway 4/22, constructed from concrete, stretches to a length of 2,317 meters. This runway, along with the asphalt-covered Runway 12R/30L, also 2,317 meters in length, serves as one of the airport's main runways. Runway 12L/30R, measuring 1,569 meters, is also made of concrete, while Runway 17/35, at 1,829 meters, features a combination of asphalt and concrete. These two runways are primarily used for general aviation.
The runways at Hobby Airport are configured to provide maximum wind coverage. The original design of the airfield included one north-south runway and an east-west runway intersecting at a 90-degree angle, along with another surface at a 45-degree angle to these. This configuration allowed aircraft to take off and land into the wind, regardless of its direction. Over time, runway designs have evolved, and Hobby Airport has undergone improvements to align with modern standards, enhancing safety and efficiency.
The William P. Hobby Airport, named after a former Texas Governor, is a vital transportation hub for the region. With its four runways, it serves as the second-largest airport in Houston and the 37th busiest in North America. The airport handles a significant volume of passenger traffic, contributing substantially to the region's economy and employment. The efficient runway configuration, along with the ongoing safety improvements, ensures that Hobby Airport continues to provide reliable and safe air connectivity for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
The William P. Hobby Airport has 30 gates in total. The Central Concourse has 25 gates numbered 20 to 32 and 40 to 51. The International Concourse has 5 gates numbered 1 to 5.
There are 2 concourses at the William P. Hobby Airport: the Central Concourse and the International Concourse.
The William P. Hobby Airport has 3 levels. Level 1 is for arrivals and baggage claim, Level 2 is for departures, ticketing, and check-in, and Level 3 houses the pedestrian bridge that connects to the Blue Garage.
The William P. Hobby Airport offers a wide range of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and fast food counters. There are also various shops and duty-free stores where passengers can purchase souvenirs, gifts, and other items.
