Houston Airports Set New Passenger Marks

HOUSTON, Feb. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Houston Airport System's streak of record-setting passenger totals continued in 2015.

According to a year-end traffic report released by the Houston Airport System, both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)  and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) reached all-time highs in 2015 in regards to overall passenger totals.  Collectively, the two commercial airports accommodated more than 55 million passengers in 2015, an unprecedented total in the history of the two facilities and an increase of almost four percent over the 2014 record-setting mark.

"Houston's vibrant economy and diverse population continue to spark unprecedented growth at both our commercial airports," says Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.  "We've seen historic passenger totals in Houston on a regular basis, followed by a string of new international air carriers and all of this growth and activity is vital to the future success of the entire region."

George Bush Intercontinental Airport enjoyed an eight percent increase in the total number of passengers passing through the gates in 2015, moving from 41,254,384 in 2014 to 42,984,304 in 2015.  Domestic traffic increased by almost a million passengers in 2015, rising to 32,379,290 by the end of the year, while the number of international passengers increased by an impressive eight percent, rising from 9,815,655 in 2014 to 10,605,014 in 2015. In 2015, Houston Airports welcomed seven new foreign flag carriers and also expanded service to international destinations from existing carriers. 

At William P. Hobby Airport, an all-time record in passenger totals was set for the sixth consecutive year, with the airport reaching the 12 million mark for the first time in its history.  Passenger traffic increased by 1.8 percent for the year, growing from 11,947,924 in 2014 to 12,163,344 in 2015. Demand for travel from Hobby Airport is growing at a steady pace and has increased more than 30 percent in 10 years — an increase of nearly 3 million passengers since 2006. The airport also welcomed international flights for the first time in more than 40 years when Southwest Airlines began offering service to destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2015.

"Houston's status as a true global gateway city continues to grow stronger as a result of these record-setting passenger totals," says Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz.  "Houston is one of only two municipalities in the United States to offer passengers a choice between two international airports, and we are the only city in the western hemisphere to offer nonstop flights to all six inhabited continents."

To view the full report, click here.

SOURCE Houston Airport System

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