The new United Terminal B concourse opened Thursday at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, marking a major milestone in a $2.6 billion redevelopment. The facility adds 22 gates, expanded passenger amenities and the largest airline club in the Americas.
United Airlines previewed the concourse Wednesday before its public opening on Oct. 22. The project replaces airport facilities dating to 1969.
United Terminal B Concourse Adds Space for Growth
The three-level Terminal B North Concourse covers 765,000 square feet. Its 22 gates can accommodate United’s larger, narrow-body aircraft.
Every United flight operating from the new concourse will use a jet bridge. That change provides travelers with a climate-controlled path between the terminal and aircraft.
The broader redevelopment also includes 26 gates in Terminal B South. Improvements there will support larger regional aircraft and provide additional jet bridge access.
Together, the two concourses give United 48 gates in Terminal B. The airline said the transformation could increase peak travel capacity by 40% compared with 2023.
Other upgrades include a new baggage system with tracking technology. The project also adds roadway capacity, expanded curbsides and a traffic bypass between Terminals A and B.
Largest Airline Club in the Americas
A central feature is a new 54,000-square-foot United Club on the mezzanine level. United describes it as the largest airline club in North and South America.
The club seats 800 travelers and includes a 1,350-square-foot outdoor terrace. Visitors can also access panoramic airfield views, two full-service bars and two buffet stations.
Additional features include 11 private phone rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets throughout the lounge. The design incorporates references to Houston’s bayous, skyline and aerospace history.
The new lounge brings United’s total to seven club and lounge locations at IAH. Access is available through United Club memberships, eligible credit cards or select premium cabin tickets.
Houston Restaurants and Public Art
More than 105,000 square feet of the concourse is dedicated to dining, shopping and other concessions.
The planned restaurant lineup includes local names such as B&B Butchers & Restaurant, Rosie Cannonball, Pizaro’s Pizza and Blood Bros. BBQ. Katz Coffee and Blue Bell Creameries are also represented.
National brands include Starbucks, Raising Cane’s, Jimmy John’s, Jersey Mike’s and Jamba. According to Axios Houston, the full restaurant lineup and refreshed terminal lobby are expected to open by the new year.
Travelers will also encounter 10 major art installations throughout the terminal. The $16.8 million program is the largest public art investment in IAH history, according to United Airlines.
The works draw inspiration from Houston’s environment, history, innovation and cultural diversity. Featured artists include Rick Lowe, Dixie Friend Gay, Karen Navarro and Shavon Aja Morris.
More Amenities for Families and Travelers
Terminal B North includes a children’s play area and 11 sets of restrooms. It also offers varied seating and gathering spaces with views of the airfield.
A dedicated sensory room serves travelers with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The space includes quiet seating pods, tactile activities and adjustable sensory experiences.
The concourse is pursuing LEED Gold certification. Sustainability features include reduced water and energy use, recycling systems and 91 charging stations for electric ground equipment.
United said the Terminal B project supported about 3,000 construction-related jobs. It also involved 308 Houston-based suppliers.
The airline employs more than 14,000 people in Houston and operates over 500 daily departures. It serves 65 international destinations from IAH, including 57 across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The new concourse gives Houston travelers more room, modern facilities and improved access to flights. It also strengthens Bush Airport’s role as one of the country’s leading gateways to Latin America.