HOUSTON – Houston’s two commercial airports are receiving more than $126 million in federal funding to improve critical infrastructure, including upgrades at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and a major runway rehabilitation project at William P. Hobby Airport.
The funding, announced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is part of fiscal year 2026 Airport Improvement Program grants and will support projects aimed at improving safety, efficiency and the passenger experience.
According to Houston Airports, the grants will fund several projects at Bush Airport (IAH), including:
- Improvements to the Skyway automated people mover
- Airfield drainage upgrades
- HVAC efficiency improvements in Terminal D
At Hobby Airport, more than $62.2 million will be used to rehabilitate Runway 13R-31L, one of the airport’s primary runways. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027 and last approximately 24 months.
“More than $126 million in federal funding is a significant investment in the future of Houston’s airports and the millions of passengers we serve,” Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said in a statement.
He added that the projects will strengthen critical airport systems, from Bush Airport’s Skyway to Hobby’s runway, helping keep Houston’s airports safe, reliable and prepared to serve travelers for decades.
The Houston funding is part of a broader $1.776 billion nationwide FAA investment announced July 2 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The grants will support airport projects in 46 states, including runway rehabilitation, safety enhancements and passenger-focused improvements.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency is prioritizing improvements that modernize the nation’s airports while ensuring they remain safe and prepared for future travel demand.