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William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is a public airport in Houston, Texas, located 7 miles (11 km) from downtown Houston. The airport's address is 7800 Airport Blvd. Houston, TX 77061. It is Houston's oldest commercial airport and was the city's primary air terminal until Houston Intercontinental Airport opened in 1969. The airport covers 1,304 acres (528 ha) and has four runways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | William P. Hobby Airport |
| Address | 7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061 |
| Type | Public airport |
| Size | 1,304 acres (528 ha) |
| Number of Runways | 4 |
| Airlines | Southwest Airlines, Delta, National Airlines, Continental, American Airlines, Eastern |
| Transportation Options | METRO bus lines 40 Telephone/Heights, 50 Broadway |
| Art Installations | "Take-off" by Paul Kittleson and Carter Ernst |
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What You'll Learn
William P. Hobby Airport's address
William P. Hobby Airport, often referred to as Hobby Airport, is a public airport located in Houston, Texas. The airport's address is 7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061, USA.
Hobby Airport is situated 7 miles (or 11 km) from downtown Houston and covers an area of 1,304 acres (528 ha). The airport, which opened in June 1927, is Houston's oldest commercial airport and was the primary air terminal for the city until 1969 when Houston Intercontinental Airport (now George Bush Intercontinental Airport) opened. Today, Hobby Airport serves as a secondary airport for the city, handling domestic service and acting as a regional hub for corporate and private aviation.
The airport has four runways and is currently served by seven airlines, offering flights to over 70 destinations worldwide. Hobby Airport is also home to the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, which is housed in the original art deco building that served as Houston's first terminal for passenger flights. The museum showcases a collection related to the history of aviation in the region.
In recent years, Hobby Airport has undergone expansion projects to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. In February 2020, it became the first airport in Texas to implement full biometric entry and exit for international passengers. Additionally, Southwest Airlines announced a $250 million expansion project in March 2022 to add seven gates to the west concourse, with six gates dedicated to domestic flights and one gate available for other airlines.
The airport provides a range of transportation options for travellers, including bus services operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO). Several bus lines serve Hobby Airport, connecting it to various locations within Houston and the surrounding areas.
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History of the airport
William P. Hobby Airport, also known by its IATA code HOU, is located in Houston, Texas, the fourth-largest city in the United States. The airport covers 1,304 acres and has three runways.
The airport opened in June 1927 as a private landing field in a 600-acre pasture known as W.T. Carter Field. In the 1930s, it was served by Braniff International Airways and Eastern Air Lines. The site was acquired by the city of Houston and renamed Houston Municipal Airport in 1937. The airport was renamed Howard R. Hughes Airport in 1938, after Howard Hughes, who was responsible for several improvements, including the construction of its first control tower. However, the airport's name was changed back to Houston Municipal as Hughes was still alive, and regulations did not allow federal improvement funds to be used to name an airport after a living person. In 1940, the city of Houston opened a new air terminal and hangar. During World War II, in 1943, the first three Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) training classes were held at the Houston Municipal Airport.
In the 1960s, the airport offered several nonstop flights to destinations across the United States and beyond. In May 1960, Delta Air Lines operated the world's first Convair 880 scheduled passenger flight nonstop to New York City Idlewild Airport from Hobby. In June 1961, National Airlines Douglas DC-8s and Continental 707s introduced nonstop flights to Los Angeles, while National Electras flew nonstop to Las Vegas, San Diego, and San Francisco. In 1963, Continental Vickers Viscounts operated a multi-stop service to Los Angeles, with stops in Austin, San Angelo, Midland/Odessa, El Paso, Tucson, and Phoenix. In the summer of 1965, American Airlines operated a single daily jet flight from Hobby, a Boeing 707 flying to San Antonio, El Paso, Phoenix, Oakland, and San Francisco. Eastern Boeing 727-100s offered nonstop flights to Washington D.C. Dulles Airport, New Orleans, and Corpus Christi, as well as direct flights to New York Newark Airport and Boston. In July 1960, KLM introduced Douglas DC-8 flights to Amsterdam via Montreal before relocating to Houston Intercontinental Airport (now George Bush Intercontinental Airport).
In 1966, Braniff and Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) operated international flights from Hobby, with Braniff offering a joint international service via an interchange agreement with Pan Am to London, England, and Frankfurt, Germany, using Boeing 707 jetliners. Additionally, Aeronaves de Mexico (now Aeromexico) served Hobby with flights to Mexico, including a nonstop Douglas DC-9-10 jet service to Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Acapulco. Trans-Texas Airways also served Mexico, operating direct Convair 600 turboprop flights to Monterrey, Tampico, and Veracruz via south Texas. However, in 1969, with the opening of Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the airlines moved to the new location, leaving Hobby without any scheduled passenger service.
Today, Hobby Airport is served by seven airlines, connecting Houston to over 70 destinations worldwide. The airport has continued to undergo improvements, such as the addition of full biometric entry and exit for international passengers in 2020, and a $250 million expansion project announced in 2022 to add seven gates to the west concourse. Hobby Airport is committed to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, and has achieved a 22% reduction in emissions between 2019 and 2022. The airport also offers a mobile app to assist passengers in navigating their way to their gates and accessing various services.
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Art at Hobby Airport
William P. Hobby Airport, located in Houston, Texas, first opened in June 1927 as a private landing field. Since then, it has undergone several name changes and improvements, including the addition of artistic pieces that enhance the airport's aesthetic and cultural appeal.
One notable piece of art at Hobby Airport is "Take-off," created by artists Paul Kittleson and Carter Ernst. "Take-off" is a stainless steel bird's nest, 30 feet wide and held 20 feet above the ground by three steel tree trunks. The nest, made from interwoven branches created using industrial materials, is depicted floating above a subtropical garden. Located at the Broadway Street entrance, "Take-off" symbolises the spirit of Houston's industrial force along the coastal plain.
In addition to "Take-off," Hobby Airport features a variety of artworks placed throughout the airport, including sculptures and photographs. The airport also houses the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, which occupies the original art deco terminal building, the first passenger airline terminal in Houston.
Hobby Airport has achieved recognition for its sustainability initiatives, with a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030. As a participant in the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, the airport has achieved Level 2 accreditation for significant emissions reductions.
With a range of transportation options and a dedication to sustainability, Hobby Airport serves as a cultural hub, showcasing artistic talents and contributing to the diverse experiences that Houston has to offer.
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Transport options
William P. Hobby Airport, Houston's oldest commercial airport, is located at 7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, Texas, 77061. The airport is about 7 miles from downtown Houston and covers 1,304 acres of land. Hobby Airport offers a variety of transport options for travellers to and from the airport.
By Car
Travellers can get to and from the airport by car via Airport Boulevard. The airport provides parking facilities for visitors.
By Bus
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, or METRO, has a stop at Curb Zone 3 at the airport. There are four bus lines that serve Hobby Airport. The 40 Telephone/Heights bus provides local service to Eastwood Transit Center, Downtown, and North Shepard Park and Ride. The 50 Broadway bus also connects the airport to Eastwood Transit Center, this time via the Magnolia Park Transit Center.
By Plane
William P. Hobby Airport is Houston's secondary airport, handling domestic services and corporate and private aviation. The airport currently serves 7 airlines, reaching over 70 destinations worldwide.
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Expansion plans
William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, has embarked on an extensive expansion journey, with plans to elevate its facilities and enhance the overall passenger experience. The airport's expansion plans are driven by the increasing demand for air travel and the need to accommodate rising passenger numbers. The project is a significant undertaking, with an investment of $470 million, showcasing a strong commitment to enhancing Houston's aviation infrastructure.
The expansion focuses primarily on the West Concourse, which was first opened in October 2015 by Southwest Airlines. This expansion builds upon that foundation, aiming to create a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. The West Concourse will undergo a transformation that includes the addition of seven new gates, accommodating both domestic and international flights. This development is a natural continuation of the concourse's modern design, natural light, and "Houston-friendly" ambiance.
The expansion plans also include improvements to the baggage handling system and baggage claim area. Passengers will benefit from a modernised and expanded baggage claim experience, reducing wait times and allowing them to spend more time enjoying their travels. An advanced baggage-handling system will be implemented, enhancing the efficiency and speed of baggage processing. Additionally, the expansion encompasses the construction of an overhead canopy along the departure curb, offering protection from inclement weather and connecting the Red Garage to the terminal.
The project underscores the strong partnership between Houston Airports and Southwest Airlines, which has been a cornerstone of the Houston community since 1971. Southwest Airlines' presence at Hobby Airport dates back to the concourse's opening in 2015, and they have been instrumental in restoring international air service to the airport. The expansion reflects a shared commitment to investing in Houston's future and elevating the airport's reputation as North America's first and only 5-Star Skytrax airport.
The expansion is expected to bring about economic growth in the area, stimulating local commerce, hospitality, and real estate markets. The increase in passenger traffic will create new opportunities for businesses and property owners, with potential benefits for the entire community. The expansion is slated for completion in 2027, marking an exciting chapter in the history of Hobby Airport and the city of Houston.
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Frequently asked questions
The address of the airport is 7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061, USA.
Yes, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) stops at Curb Zone 3 at the airport. There are currently four bus lines that serve Hobby Airport.
The airport covers 1,304 acres (528 ha) and has four runways.
The airport features art throughout, including sculptures and photographs. There is also the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, which is housed in the original art deco building that served as Houston's first terminal for passenger flight.
Hobby Airport opened in June 1927 as a private landing field in a 600-acre pasture known as W.T. Carter Field. It was acquired by the city of Houston and renamed Houston Municipal Airport in 1937. The airport has undergone various name changes and improvements over the years, becoming Houston's oldest commercial airport and serving as a secondary airport for the city today.
