United Airlines, in collaboration with the City of Houston and its partners, is redeveloping Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The $2.5 billion project reaches a major milestone with the upcoming lobby closure, as the gates remain operational for travelers.
HOUSTON—United Airlines has reached a significant milestone in the redevelopment of Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which aims to enhance passenger experience and capacity. As a result, the Terminal B lobby, where some passengers currently check in for their flights, pass through TSA security, and claim their baggage upon arrival, will temporarily close on January 21, 2025, and is expected to reopen in 2026.
During the lobby closure, signage along Will Clayton Parkway and JFK Blvd will direct passengers to check in at Terminal C. The A/B parking garages will remain open. However, travelers are encouraged to arrive and park or reserve parking in advance in the Terminal C parking garage as a point of terminal entry. If any of the garages are full, the EcoPark off-airport parking shuttle service remains available. Additionally, United will provide complimentary shuttle service to and from Terminal C for B passengers parking in the A/B garages, as needed.
Passengers should check in and pass through security at Terminal C, then use the above-ground Skyway train for easy access to Terminal B. United Airlines gates B3–B31 will remain operational throughout the lobby closure. Travelers are encouraged to arrive two to three hours ahead of their flight departure and follow the signage located inside the airport and along access routes to ensure a smooth transition during this important phase of the redevelopment project.
During the first two weeks of the B lobby closure, Terminal B Transformation Ambassadors wearing pink vests will be located inside terminals B and C inside the airport and readily available to assist passengers in locating their gate.
"United Airlines is thrilled to lead this monumental investment in Houston's future with the Terminal B Transformation Program," said Phil Griffith, United's Vice President of Airport Operations. "This expansion not only enhances the passenger experience but also strengthens Houston's role as a global hub. With cutting-edge amenities, an expanded baggage handling system, and the addition of 22 new gates, this project will serve millions of passengers annually while creating thousands of local jobs. The Terminal B Lobby closure marks a transformative milestone for both United Airlines and its partners, and we are fully committed to supporting our passengers throughout this process, ensuring a smooth travel experience with resources such as intuitive signage, on-site wayfinding assistance, and timely reminders via the United app.”
Lobby closure reminders will be available in the United app and on the Houston Airport System website. In the United app, the reminder can also be viewed in Spanish, depending on the user's language settings.
As part of this exciting transformation, Terminal B will be expanded to include ground-level check-in and baggage claim areas, with three times more curb frontage and 22 new gates. The concourse will also feature the largest United Club in the world. Passengers can look forward to a state-of-the-art experience from curb to gate. Get ready for an enhanced travel experience, United passengers! For more information on the Terminal B redevelopment and travel tips, please visit iahbunited.com.