
William P. Hobby Airport, also known as Houston Hobby, is an international airport in Houston, Texas. It is Houston's oldest commercial airport, opening in June 1927 as a private landing field. Today, it is the second busiest airport in the city, serving over 70 destinations worldwide. Hobby Airport has a lot to offer visitors, from art installations like Take-off, a stainless steel bird's nest, to the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, which showcases the rich history of civil aviation in Houston. For foodies, there's Pho Binh Trailer, a Houston favourite, and Hangar Kitchen, which serves up delicious burgers. The airport is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives like carbon reduction strategies and book-sharing libraries, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | William P. Hobby Airport |
| IATA | HOU |
| ICAO | KHOU |
| FAA LID | HOU |
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Distance from downtown Houston | 7 miles (11 km) |
| Year opened | 1927 |
| Art installations | "Take-off" by Paul Kittleson and Carter Ernst |
| Dining options | Pho Binh Trailer, Hangar Kitchen |
| Attractions nearby | Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Municipal Airport terminal building |
| Airlines | Southwest, JetBlue, and Frontier |
| Destinations | Over 70 destinations worldwide |
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What You'll Learn

Food and drink options
If you're looking for food and drink options near William P. Hobby Airport, there are several options to choose from. Here are some suggestions:
The Original Kolache Shoppe on Telephone Road is a Houston institution that has been serving up delicious, locally sourced pastries since 1956. You can find traditional kolaches filled with sweet cheese, lemon, raspberry, or poppy seeds, as well as klobasniky, a Czech-inspired pastry stuffed with jalapeño and other savoury fillings.
For a heartier meal, Pho Binh Trailer, located on the southern edge of Greater Hobby, is a must-visit. Operating out of a converted trailer since 1983, this unassuming landmark sparked a pho revolution in Houston. You can enjoy a rich and fragrant bowl of pho stacked with herbs, rice noodles, and your choice of meats like rare eye of round, brisket, or tendon.
If you're in the mood for a burger, Hangar Kitchen, conveniently located near the airport, is the place to go. You can customise your burger with a range of toppings, such as their famous Brooklyn beer cheese or the addictive house burger sauce. Try the Notorious P.I.G. or the B-52 Bomber for a true taste sensation.
Lastly, if you're looking for a quick bite before your flight, Hobby Airport itself offers a variety of snacks and sweet treats from Texan brands. You can also find sports apparel and accessories for teams like the Astros, Rockets, and Texans.
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Art and exhibitions
William P. Hobby Airport, located 7 miles from downtown Houston, is the city's oldest commercial airport. The airport boasts a variety of art pieces and exhibitions that are sure to delight visitors and travellers alike.
One of the most notable art installations at Hobby Airport is "Take-off", created by artists Paul Kittleson and Carter Ernst. This stainless steel bird's nest, measuring 30 feet wide and held 20 feet above the ground, symbolises the spirit of Houston's industrial might. Located at the Broadway Street entrance, "Take-off" is a magnificent sight with its interwoven branches crafted from industrial materials, floating above a subtropical garden.
For those interested in aviation history, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum is a must-see. Housed in the original Houston Municipal Airport terminal building, an Art Deco masterpiece, the museum showcases the rich heritage of civil aviation in Houston. Visitors can explore collections, memorabilia, and exhibits that take them back in time to the early days of flight in the region.
In addition to these highlights, Hobby Airport also features a diverse array of artworks throughout its terminals. From sculptures to photographs, the airport offers a cultural experience that goes beyond just travel. The airport's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its initiatives, with a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
For a quick bite before your flight, the Hangar Kitchen offers a delightful dining experience with mouth-watering options like the Notorious P.I.G and the B-52 Bomber. And if you're looking for a unique shopping experience, Desigual offers an eclectic selection of apparel and accessories with bold patterns and creative designs.
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Airport lounges
William P. Hobby Airport, also known as Houston Hobby, is an international airport in Houston, Texas, located 7 miles from downtown Houston. Hobby Airport is Houston's oldest commercial airport, opening in June 1927 as a private landing field.
The airport has various artistic pieces located throughout its grounds, including sculptures and photographs. One such piece is "Take-off", a stainless steel bird's nest showing interwoven branches created using industrial materials. The nest is 30 feet wide and is held 20 feet above the ground by three steel tree trunks. It is located at Hobby's Broadway Street entrance.
The airport also offers a mobile app to help passengers find their way straight to their gate and any other point along the way. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
For those looking for a comfortable and entertaining space to wait for their flight, the airport has a lounge called Gameway, accessible via Priority Pass. Gameway offers a first-class video gaming experience with each gaming station equipped with the latest technology, high-speed internet, leather chairs, 43" 4K televisions, noise-cancelling headphones, charging ports, and complimentary luggage storage. In addition, food and drinks are available. Cardholders can use their lounge visit entitlement for a 1-hour stay at a gaming station, with each subsequent hour charged at a 10% discounted rate.
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Shops and services
William P. Hobby Airport, Houston's oldest commercial airport, has a variety of shops and services for visitors to enjoy. Located just 7 miles from downtown Houston, Hobby Airport is a great place to explore, even if you're not catching a flight.
For art enthusiasts, the airport is home to several artistic pieces, including the impressive "Take-off" by artists Paul Kittleson and Carter Ernst. This stainless steel bird's nest, held above a subtropical garden by three steel tree trunks, is a striking depiction of Houston's industrial force. The airport also features sculptures and photographs throughout, adding to the aesthetic experience.
Foodies will delight in the diverse culinary options near the airport. Pho Binh Trailer, a Houston favourite, serves up delicious pho in a unique, converted trailer setting. For burger lovers, Hangar Kitchen offers mouth-watering options like the Notorious P.I.G and the B-52 Bomber. And for a sweet treat, don't miss The Original Kolache Shoppe, a Houston institution since 1956, known for its locally sourced ingredients and scratch-made pastries.
If you're looking for retail therapy, Hobby Airport has a range of shopping options. Desigual offers an eclectic selection of men's and women's apparel, including bold patterns and patchwork garments. The airport also features stores selling sports apparel and accessories for teams like the Astros, Rockets, and Texans. And for last-minute gifts, you can find everything from beauty products to toys and souvenirs.
Additionally, the airport is committed to sustainability, with initiatives like carbon reduction strategies and book-sharing libraries. By 2030, they aim to achieve carbon neutrality, contributing to a greener travel experience.
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Architecture and design
William P. Hobby Airport, also known as Houston Hobby, is an international airport in Houston, Texas, located 7 miles from downtown Houston. Hobby Airport is Houston's oldest commercial airport, opening in June 1927 as a private landing field in a 600-acre pasture known as W.T. Carter Field. The airport features several artistic pieces located in and around its grounds.
One of the most notable art installations at Hobby Airport is "Take-off" by artists Paul Kittleson and Carter Ernst. "Take-off" is a stainless steel bird's nest with interwoven branches created using industrial materials. The nest, which is 30 feet wide, is suspended 20 feet above the ground by three steel tree trunks and is set amidst a subtropical garden. It symbolises the spirit of Houston's industrial might along the coastal plain. This impressive structure greets visitors at the airport's Broadway Street entrance.
The airport itself boasts a rich history, and its architecture and design have evolved over the decades. The original terminal, now home to the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, showcases the Art Deco style popular in the early 20th century. The museum is housed in the old Houston Municipal Airport terminal building, the first terminal built for passenger flight in Houston. Here, visitors can explore collections, memorabilia, and exhibits that bring to life Houston's aviation history.
In addition to the museum, Hobby Airport is known for its diverse dining options. The near-airport Hangar Kitchen offers a unique dining experience with customisable burgers and a vibrant atmosphere. For those seeking a quick bite before their flight, the Original Kolache Shoppe, one of Houston's oldest family-run shops, offers traditional pastries made with locally sourced ingredients and crafted with old-school methods.
The airport also showcases its commitment to sustainability through various initiatives. As a participant in the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, Hobby Airport has achieved Level 2 accreditation, reflecting significant reductions in emissions. The airport aims for carbon neutrality by 2030, integrating carbon reduction strategies and broader modernisation efforts into the passenger experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Hobby Airport features several artistic pieces, including sculptures and photographs. One of the most notable pieces is "Take-off", a stainless steel bird's nest with interwoven branches made from industrial materials. It is 30 feet (9.1 m) wide and held 20 feet (6.1 m) above the ground by three steel tree trunks. It is located at Hobby's Broadway Street entrance.
The 1940 Air Terminal Museum is located in the old Houston Municipal Airport terminal building on the west side of Hobby Airport. The original Art Deco building was the first terminal built for passenger flight in Houston and now houses collections, memorabilia and exhibits showcasing Houston's aviation history.
Houston-favorite, Pho Binh Trailer, is located on the southern edge of Greater Hobby. It has been serving bowls of pho from a converted trailer since 1983. For burgers, try Hangar Kitchen, located near the airport.
Hobby Airport is located approximately 7 miles (11 km) from downtown Houston, which can be explored via a double-decker bus tour. The Houston Botanic Garden is also near the airport.











































