Ruth Haines
William P. Hobby Airport, also known as HOU, is located in Houston, Texas. The airport is approximately seven to eleven miles from downtown Houston and was first opened in 1927 as a private landing field. Since then, it has undergone several name changes and expansions, becoming an important hub for aviation in Texas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | William P. Hobby Airport |
| City | Houston |
| State | Texas |
| Address | 7800 Airport Boulevard, Houston, TX 77061 |
| Distance from downtown Houston | Approximately 7 miles, 11 miles southeast |
| Year of inception | 1927 |
| Area | 600 acres |
| Airlines serving the airport | Southwest, Allegiant, American, Delta, and Frontier |
| Number of destinations | 70-83 |
| Annual domestic passengers | 12.2 million (2022) |
| Annual international travellers | 913,000 (2022) |
| Awards | First 5-Star airport in North America, Best Regional Airport in North America |
| Sustainability initiatives | Carbon neutrality by 2030, Level 2 accreditation in Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, 22% reduction in emissions between 2019 and 2022 |
| Art installations | "Take-off" by Paul Kittleson and Carter Ernst, sculptures, photographs |
| Transport facilities | METRO, four bus lines |
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What You'll Learn
William P. Hobby Airport's location
William P. Hobby Airport, with the city and FAA code HOU, is located in Houston, Texas. The airport is situated approximately seven to eleven miles from downtown Houston at 7800 Airport Boulevard.
The airport's history dates back to 1927 when it began as a 600-acre private landing field known as W.T. Carter Field, named after the Texas businessman W. T. Carter, Jr., who purchased the land. In 1937, the city of Houston acquired the site and renamed it Houston Municipal Airport. Over the years, the airport underwent several name changes and improvements, including the construction of its first control tower in 1938 by Howard Hughes.
William P. Hobby Airport has played a significant role in Houston's aviation landscape and has received accolades for its achievements. In 2022, Skytrax named Hobby Airport the first 5-Star airport in North America, and it was also honoured as the best Regional Airport in North America by the World Airport Awards. The airport serves as a gateway to Central and South America and offers flights to over 70 destinations worldwide.
The airport is easily accessible via various transportation options, including bus services provided by four bus lines. Additionally, the Houston Airports system is committed to sustainability and has implemented strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy across its facilities.
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Transportation to and from the airport
William P. Hobby Airport, located in Houston, Texas, offers a variety of transportation options for travellers going to and from the airport. The airport is situated approximately seven to eleven miles from downtown Houston and is easily accessible by various means of transportation.
For those travelling by car, the airport provides parking facilities, with specific options available for both domestic and international travellers. Additionally, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available for travellers who prefer the convenience of a ride-hailing option.
Public transportation is also an efficient and affordable way to get to and from the airport. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, or METRO, operates bus services with four bus lines currently serving Hobby Airport. These bus routes include the 40 Telephone/Heights, which offers local service to Eastwood Transit Center, Downtown, and North Shepard Park and Ride. The 50 Broadway bus route also connects the airport to the Eastwood Transit Center via the Magnolia Park Transit Center. These bus services provide convenient and economical travel options for passengers.
Furthermore, the airport has not overlooked sustainability in transportation. Houston Airports and Wisk Aero are actively exploring the potential of autonomous, electric air taxis, showcasing their commitment to clean, urban air mobility. Additionally, the airport system has invested in green energy upgrades, including electric vehicle integration, and has achieved significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
In conclusion, William P. Hobby Airport offers a range of transportation options for travellers. Whether it's parking facilities, ride-sharing services, public buses, or the potential future option of electric air taxis, travellers can conveniently and efficiently navigate to and from the airport using their preferred mode of transportation.
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Art and sculptures at the airport
William P. Hobby Airport, located in Houston, Texas, is not just an aviation hub but also a destination for art enthusiasts. The airport boasts an extensive collection of art and sculptures that enhance the passenger experience and reflect the vibrant spirit of Houston.
One of the most notable sculptures at Hobby Airport is the "Take-off" by artists Paul Kittleson and Carter Ernst. This stainless steel bird's nest, measuring 30 feet wide and held 20 feet above the ground by three steel tree trunks, symbolises the spirit of Houston's industrial force along the coastal plain. Placed at Hobby's Broadway Street entrance, it is a striking welcome to visitors.
Outside the airport building, a giant sculpture of a plane by artist Jim Love has been a longtime mainstay, greeting travellers. Inside, at the TSA checkpoint, crystal artwork titled "Wings" by Indian artist Dharmesh Patel adorns the space. This floor-to-ceiling, curved tower is accompanied by a steel and acrylic display hanging from the ceiling, titled "Vector HH" and created by Luca Buvoli.
The airport also showcases a mural with the "Don't Mess With Texas" slogan and a collection of concrete blocks that spell out "Somewhere Between Here and There", created by artist Chris Sauter. These pieces are part of a broader initiative to beautify public spaces, with 1.75% of funds for improving public buildings allocated to art. This has resulted in a diverse range of art forms, including textile art, video art, sound art, jewellery, and large-scale sculptures.
Hobby Airport's commitment to art extends beyond aesthetics. The airport hosts the artist-in-residence programme, with Mark Francis often found drawing and engaging with travellers about their experiences with art. Additionally, the airport has partnered with organisations like Wings for All to create inclusive travel experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, using art and rehearsal to empower and familiarise them with the airport environment.
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History of the airport
William P. Hobby Airport, located in Houston, Texas, has a rich history dating back to the early days of aviation. The airport first opened in June 1927 as a private landing field in a 600-acre pasture known as W.T. Carter Field, named after Texas businessman and city council member W. T. Carter, Jr., who purchased the property and constructed the airport.
In 1937, the City of Houston acquired the site and renamed it Houston Municipal Airport. The airport received its first control tower in 1938, built by Howard Hughes, who the airport was briefly named after. However, the name was changed back to Houston Municipal Airport due to regulations regarding federal improvement funds for airports named after living people. The city of Houston opened a new air terminal and hangar in 1940, and the airport was used during World War II as a training site for the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and the Women's Flying Training Detachment.
In the 1950s, the airport underwent significant expansion and improvements to accommodate international flights, including the construction of a new modern terminal, lengthened runways, and a high-intensity lighting system. By the mid-1960s, the airport had added an additional terminal and was renamed William P. Hobby Airport in 1967, after the 27th Governor of Texas. However, with the opening of the Houston Intercontinental Airport (now George Bush Intercontinental Airport) in 1969, commercial traffic at Hobby Airport downsized, and it primarily served private and corporate aircraft.
Commercial flights resumed at Hobby Airport in 1971, and the airport continued to grow and expand. In 2015, Hobby Airport once again began accommodating international air service, and in 2020, it became the first airport in Texas to implement full biometric entry and exit for international passengers. Today, the airport serves over 70 destinations worldwide and has received numerous accolades, including being named a 5-Star airport by Skytrax in 2022.
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Future expansion plans
William P. Hobby Airport, located in Houston, Texas, has a rich history dating back to 1927 when it first operated as a 600-acre landing strip known as W.T. Carter Field. Over the years, the airport has undergone various expansions and improvements, including the addition of the first control tower in 1938 and the opening of a new air terminal and hangar in 1940. Today, the airport serves over 70 destinations worldwide and is recognised as a 5-Star airport in North America.
In recent years, Hobby Airport has continued to expand and enhance its infrastructure to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and demand for more air services. The Houston City Council has approved a $470 million expansion plan for the West Concourse, which is scheduled for completion in 2027. This expansion project will include the addition of seven new gates, with six dedicated to Southwest Airlines for domestic flights and one available for other airlines. The project will also involve expanding and modernising the baggage handling system and claim area, as well as installing an overhead canopy along the departure curb to protect travellers from inclement weather.
The expansion is expected to support the future growth of the airport, with Southwest Airlines employing over 5,000 people in Houston, the majority of whom are based at Hobby Airport. The project builds upon previous expansions, such as the $156 million West Concourse that opened in 2015, which included five gates and marked the return of international air service to the airport.
Hobby Airport's continued expansion solidifies its position as a cornerstone market for Southwest Airlines and a significant gateway for international service. The airport's development symbolises Houston's commitment to thriving economic and cultural prosperity, attracting new air services and enhancing the infrastructure that supports its growth. With record-breaking passenger numbers, the expansion plans ensure that Hobby Airport can accommodate the increasing demand for air travel in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
William P. Hobby Airport is located in Houston, Texas.
Hobby Airport is located approximately 7 to 11 miles from downtown Houston.
The address of Hobby Airport is 7800 Airport Boulevard, Houston, TX 77061.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) provides bus service to Hobby Airport, with several bus lines serving the airport.
Hobby Airport was the first airport in Texas to implement full biometric entry and exit for international passengers. It has also received awards for its regional status and was named the first 5-Star airport in North America by Skytrax in 2022. Hobby Airport also participates in the Wings for All program, which helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for air travel.
