Workers Break Ground on New United Terminal at Houston Hub

A new Terminal C North Concourse will replace existing United gates, which are slated to be removed to make room for a new International Concourse.

A ground-breaking ceremony at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on Monday marked the start of construction on a new state-of-the-art terminal at United Airline’s Houston hub.

When complete, the new $ 244 million Terminal C North will be more than 100,000 square feet larger than the existing Terminal C North. The new facility will house 11 gates capable of accommodating a variety of aircraft sizes, as well as 20 brand-new dining and retail outlets.

United expects to move into its new concourse in early 2017, clearing the way for construction to begin on an expanded Mickey Leland International Terminal. The carrier is expected be among the largest tenants at the reconstructed International concourse named in honor of Texas Congressman Mickey Leland, who perished in 1989 when his plane crashed in Ethiopia. IAH is United’s top international gateway to Latin America, with 51 nonstop flights to Latin American and Caribbean destinations departing from the airport.

The infrastructure investment seems to reaffirm United’s commitment to the former Continental base at IAH as a domestic and international hub, at least for the foreseeable future.

“Through this next phase of our ongoing facilities expansion at Bush Intercontinental, United’s customers will enjoy more of the comforts and amenities they have come to expect, and that have made Houston a premier international gateway and a cornerstone of United’s global network,” United Vice Chairman Jim Compton confirmed in a statement.

[Photo: United Airlines]