As more passengers and airlines flock to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the facility encounters multiple challenges, all of which it faces with gusto. The airport set records last year, serving 43 million passengers and rapidly expanding its international service. Since 2005, international travel from the airport increased by approximately 53 percent, branching out to serve all six of the inhabited regions of the world, one of only a handful of airports to do so. Last year, Volaris, All Nippon Airways, EVA Air, WestJet and Air New Zealand expanded their routes to include Houston as other airlines already flying to and from the airport extended their offerings. Asian destinations specifically play a vital role in the airport’s growth, as seat capacity on flights between Houston and Asia increased by around 400 percent.

With such rapid development, though, comes the need for expansion and greater traveler options, both on the part of the airport and the airlines serving it. United Airlines is quick to oblige, with its new Terminal C North concourse slated to open early next year. The 265,000-square-foot facility will offer 11 new boarding gates. Much-anticipated restaurants under United’s partnership with OTG make their way to not only the new Terminal C North but also terminals B South and E. United also announced its upcoming service from Houston to Havana (HAV) as the newly accessible destination joins 52 Latin American and Caribbean cities reachable via United flights through the airport.

American Express caters to its cardholders at George Bush Intercontinental Airport with the newly opened Centurion Lounge in Terminal D. The 8,500-square-foot space offers a true taste of Houston to travelers relaxing before or between flights with locally inspired menus and drinks and custom art installations from Houston artists.

The airport introduced a new service for nervous travelers in the spring. Volunteer dogs now roam the airport with their easily identifiable owners, allowing passengers to pet and interact with trained animals to alleviate stress and anxiety. The program, in conjunction with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, joins an increasing number of similar initiatives at airports across the country.

Future airport plans include the new Mickey Leland International Terminal, offering 50 percent more space than the current Terminal D and accommodating wide-body aircraft at all 15 gates. Construction is expected to begin next year.