USA. George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s Terminal D-West Pier is set to open on 22 October featuring 16 retail and dining concepts.
The expanded facility forms part of the existing Terminal D, representing a key milestone in the US$1.46 billion IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP).
The much-anticipated opening will introduce an extensive array of retail and dining options, featuring a blend of local and global brands. Highlights include Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jamba Juice, Be Relax, Jetero Market, Semi-Sweet Confectionery and a Lego store.
Travel essentials store Houston Supply Co. opened on 19 August.
An iShoppes duty-free store is set to open in November, just in time for Thanksgiving. Following this, two more iShoppes concepts will launch next year as airline operations expand to Gates D1-D6, including a new duty free shop that will feature Longchamp, a sunglass concept and other fashion offerings.
Bringing more variety to the F&B line-up, popular local restaurant Velvet Taco is also scheduled to open in 2025.
These retail concessions will provide 250 new job opportunities.
‘A seamless and efficient travel experience’
The six new gates at the terminal are designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft and can be reconfigured to serve up to ten narrow-body airplanes.
This key expansion project aims to address the growing demand from passengers and airlines while enhancing the overall travel experience, reinforcing George Bush Airport’s status as a leading global aviation hub, Houston Airports noted.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said: “We are focused on improving the overall passenger experience at the airport – from parking and traffic to providing modern terminals with the right amenities. This project is a major investment in our city’s future.
“The newly expanded international terminal enhances Houston’s reputation as a world-class city and provides a boost to our economy, supporting jobs and attracting more visitors from around the globe.”
ITRP, which seeks to upgrade the airport’s international travel infrastructure, represents the most important capital improvement project by Houston Airports and features three major components:
- A refresh of the existing Terminal D (completed in 2023)
- An expansion of Terminal D with a new D-West Pier (fall 2024)
- A new International Central Processor (winter 2024 & summer 2025)
Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said: “We are excited to share this milestone with the residents of Houston. The opening of the Terminal D-West Pier is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our partners.
“This world-class facility will provide a seamless and efficient travel experience for millions of passengers each year. The new pier will provide the necessary capacity so that Houston can continue to attract more nonstop flights to cities around the globe.”
Construction for the Terminal D expansion kicked off in November 2019 with the demolition of the old IAH Terminal C-North facility, completed by the summer of 2020.
More than 3,000 people spent more than one million hours on the construction project, all while operating in a live environment and ensuring there were no lost-time injuries, the airport company said.
The expanded space adds 14,864 sq m to Terminal D, increasing its total area to 46,419sq m, three times larger than the field at Minute Maid Park.
Inside the new Terminal D-West Pier, the architectural ceiling spans over 929sq m, inspired by sunlight filtered through Houston’s live oak trees.
A 115-m-long LED feature wall provides airfield views and ambient lighting.
The expanded terminal will display eight commissioned artworks, showcasing pieces by Houston-based artists inspired by the essence of the Bayou City.
New amenities
Terminal D-West Pier will offer a mother’s room, a sensory room, a play area for children, and restrooms designated for men, women and families.
Restroom stall door locks provide alerts for vacancy status and soft LED lighting enhances floor-to-ceiling images, highlighting Houston’s natural beauty.
An International Arrivals corridor provides views of the airfield, the concourse and large-scale photography inspired by Houston.
The terminal will offer more than 500 modern and comfortable seats, including chairs, cushioned benches and cosy loungers, feature cup holders and charging capabilities. ✈
