West Concourse Expansion

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is moving into the next phase of its food and beverage transformation—and it’s bringing some of Houston’s most recognized names with it.Four new restaurants will open inside the airport later this year: Killen’s Barbeque, Common Bond Bistro and Bakery, Spindletap Brewery and Yard House. The announcement marks the start of Phase 3 in the airport system’s multi-year effort to overhaul concessions at the 5-star Skytrax-rated airport.Each new concept adds something different to the lineup. Killen’s is a Michelin Guide-recognized barbecue institution. Common Bond is a bakery and brunch spot known for its cult following. SpindleTap is one of Houston’s highest-rated breweries. Yard House brings a national footprint but will feature a Houston-centric design and the largest selection of draft beer in the world.“These restaurants are not just exciting additions—they’re strategic,” said Libby Hurley, director of concessions for Houston Airports. “They reflect a deliberate mix of national reach and Houston flavor, all designed to meet the expectations of modern travelers.”The update follows the completion of Phase 2, which brought new amenities to the airport’s pre-security ticketing lobby—an area previously cited for lack of options. Today, a full-service Starbucks offers mobile ordering for passengers and airport employees, while Throughgood Bistro delivers a broader impact. The Houston-based café donates a portion of proceeds to the Bread of Life Foundation, a nonprofit fighting homelessness in the city.“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Hurley said. “Travelers appreciate the convenience. And more than that, they appreciate that our concessions reflect the values of the city we serve.”The airport also recently opened The Rustic near Gate 44. Founded by a Houston native, the restaurant is known for its farm-to-table menu, Gulf seafood and live music. The area surrounding Gates 44–47 now includes two local dining options—The Rustic and Velvet Taco—alongside Starbucks, retail, spa services and niche amenities such as Opticwash and H-Mart.Velvet Taco, which opened during Phase 1, was recognized this year as Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept (Medium/Small Airports) at the 2025 Airport Experience Awards.Pei Wei and a new Chick-fil-A location in the West Concourse transform what was once a single-outlet space into a compact food court with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free offerings. A new Starbucks completes the new food court.Landry’s Seafood House will join Dish Society, Pink’s Pizza, Jersey Mike’s and Wendy’s in Phase 4 next year. Hobby Airport’s concessions strategy continues to prioritize variety, speed, local engagement and brand-name power—all anchored in the airport’s broader mission to create a modern, user-friendly experience while celebrating a diverse portfolio of local dynamos.RELATED | Houston Airports launches new concessions loyalty rewards program

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is growing. And if you’ve been through the terminal lately, you’ve seen the signs—literally. The images plastered along the temporary construction walls in the baggage claim area are more than just a barrier; they’re a promise. A promise that what’s coming is worth the wait.Houston Airports and Southwest Airlines are delivering the future of travel at Hobby Airport with a massive West Concourse expansion that will redefine the passenger experience. Seven new gates. More seating. More concessions. More art. Behind the scenes, a cutting-edge Leonardo baggage handling system will streamline operations, ensuring a seamless start—or end—to every journey.A Terminal Built for the FutureConstruction crews are already deep into the work. The detention pond, enabling projects, demolition, and utility installation are complete. Next up: installing the foundation, a crucial step toward bringing the new West Concourse to life.While the concourse itself takes shape, Hobby passengers will soon see another upgrade—completely renovated restrooms, set to open this summer in the baggage claim area.More Than an Expansion—An ExperienceA terminal isn’t just a place to catch a flight. It’s a space to unwind, refuel and be inspired. That’s why the West Concourse expansion isn’t just about adding gates—it’s about creating an environment that reflects Houston’s energy.Expect more food, more shopping and more places to relax. But beyond that, expect art. From ceiling-mounted installations to wall-mounted and freestanding pieces, the concourse will showcase Houston’s vibrant artistic culture, transforming the terminal into an immersive experience.What’s Next?Hobby Airport’s expansion is moving forward. The work happening now lays the foundation for an airport that is bigger, brighter and better than ever before. So, the next time you pass those dust walls, know that they aren’t just covering construction. They’re covering progress. And soon, you’ll see what’s been building behind them.

Houston Airports and Southwest Airlines came together on Thursday, November 14, to celebrate the expansion of William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The event marks a major milestone in the continued growth and enhancement of Houston’s first commercial airport. The event underscored Hobby Airport’s commitment to providing an exceptional travel experience as it expands to meet the demands of increasing passenger numbers and future growth.This latest expansion of West Concourse -- built by Southwest Airlines in 2015 -- will include seven new gates, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, additional baggage claim carousels and a protective canopy connecting the terminal to the parking garage. These improvements, which are scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2027, aim to elevate the overall passenger journey and ensure a seamless, efficient travel experience. “This expansion isn’t just about adding more gates—it’s about enhancing every aspect of the passenger experience,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “As North America’s first and only 5-Star Skytrax airport, it’s essential for Hobby Airport to offer facilities and services that match our world-class reputation. Partnering with Southwest Airlines on this project allows us to create a truly remarkable experience for all travelers.”The celebration highlighted the strong, longstanding partnership between Houston Airports and Southwest Airlines, which has deep roots in the Houston community. “Since our first year of service in 1971, we’ve operated nonstop at Hobby Airport. It’s a cornerstone market for us, serving as a base for our flight crews and as a gateway city to our international service,” said Steve Sisneros, Vice President of Airport Affairs at Southwest Airlines. “This expansion marks an exciting time for our future here, allowing us to grow our service and reach even more customers.” Sherri Hull, Director of Governmental Affairs for Southwest Airlines, expressed her enthusiasm for the project and its significance to both the airline and the city. “On behalf of the nearly 5,000 Southwest employees based in Space City, it’s a pleasure to celebrate this milestone with Houston Airports. This expansion reflects our shared commitment to investing in Houston’s future and enhancing the traveler experience at Hobby Airport.”The new gates and infrastructure will not only support the expansion of flights and destinations but will also streamline the baggage claim process with the implementation of the Leonardo Cross Belt Sorter, a best-in-class system popular in Europe and gaining traction in the United States. “Passengers will spend less time waiting for luggage and more time enjoying what Houston has to offer,” added Szczesniak. LEARN MORE | Houston City Council approves expansion plans for more gates, modernized baggage experience at Hobby Airport