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United Airlines shares plans to expand, modernize George Bush Intercontinental's Terminal B


By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Jun 5, 2023

Those traveling on United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) in and out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) could soon see changes in Terminal B, thanks to a plan that aims to modernize and triple the capacity of the current facilities.

Officials from the Chicago-based airline shared the current plans for the terminal’s redevelopment program during a May 31 meeting of Houston City Council's Economic Development Committee.

“The Terminal B Transformation at IAH is a groundbreaking initiative that represents United's commitment to revolutionizing the passenger experience,” United Airlines said in a statement. “With a strong focus on intuitive customer movements, we are creating a terminal that truly embodies the spirit of Houston while prioritizing sustainability. Our design solutions incorporate local elements and innovative wayfinding systems, ensuring an authentic and memorable journey for our valued passengers.”

The existing Terminal B is undersized and outdated, according to a presentation, and thus can't support the new aircraft United plans to bring to IAH. Terminal B North, which was built in 1969, has the most wear and age of any part of IAH, Phil Griffith, vice president of United Airlines Houston hub, said during the meeting. The plan calls for Terminal B North to essentially be demolished and reconstructed so it can house narrow- and wide-body aircraft.

United has ordered about 500 narrow-body Boeing 737 MAXs and Airbus A319s that are already being delivered, Griffith noted. In addition, 100 wide-body Boeing 787 aircrafts are being delivered. He said no airline has taken more than 50 aircraft in one year. United currently delivers two to three airplanes a week into the network and will do so for the next five years.

To replace the existing B North, the plan is to build two modern piers, similar to Terminal C North, Michael Yost, managing director of airport affairs for United Airlines, said during the meeting.

United also plans to expand Terminal B's processor area, which was also built in 1969, to make it more functional and resolve congestion-related issues, Griffith said. The modifications will double the current building's footprint while tripling the curbside capacity from a customer-flow standpoint. There will also be a new security screening checkpoint, ticketing lobby, and inbound and outbound baggage systems.

Both departures and arrivals will be on the ground level, and signs will be installed to ensure that drivers know which direction to travel, Yost said

When entering through the departure core, customers will be met with elevators and escalators to get up to the ticketing hallway. Yost said the area will be bright and will have clear wayfinding. Through the center, the new security checkpoint will lead into the modern B North concourse, which will have natural sunlight, large hold rooms and elevated customer amenities with concessions, retail opportunities and ample restroom space, he said.

The baggage claim’s capacity will also be tripled to allow for a better and faster customer experience.

Meanwhile, the Terminal B South concourse, which is currently configured to serve small regional jets, will also be updated. The redevelopment project will renovate the existing terminal to allow for 18 large regional jets with passenger loading bridges at each gate, as well optimized taxiways and taxi lanes.