HOUSTON — The Houston Airport System, which includes George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Ellington Airport (EFD) and the Houston Spaceport, generates $40.6 billion in total annual economic impact to the region, which is comprised of 12 counties, a study reveals.
A study prepared in 2024 by Campbell-Hill Aviation Group using data from 2023 highlights the role Houston Airports plays in fostering job creation, fueling regional growth and providing connectivity to the Houston area. This latest economic impact study is the first time Houston Airports measured the economic impact of the Houston Spaceport at Ellington Airport, a news release stated.
“This study reaffirms what we’ve always known—Houston Airports is more than a transit hub; it’s a cornerstone of our region’s economy,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “From the $40.6 billion economic impact to supporting over 200,000 jobs, we are creating tangible benefits that ripple across Houston. Every passenger who walks through our terminals, every cargo shipment loaded onto a plane and every investment in infrastructure directly fuels our city’s growth and strengthens our global competitiveness.”
Houston Airports is a major contributor to the region’s growth, contributing to its 7.4% population increase over the past five years and the metro area’s $663 billion gross regional product (GRP).
Annual passenger totals are expected to climb as the region’s population and demand for air travel continue to grow.
Houston Airports and its airline partners are investing nearly $5 billion in infrastructure upgrades at IAH and HOU.
“The infrastructure investments we’re making today aren’t just about meeting current demand—they’re about securing Houston’s future as a global leader in aviation and aerospace,” added Szczesniak. “Whether it’s the multi-billion-dollar transformation at Bush Airport or the pioneering work happening at the Houston Spaceport, we’re building the systems and facilities that will attract businesses, drive innovation and keep Houston at the forefront of global connectivity for decades to come.”
Key Highlights from the 2024 Economic Impact Study:
- $40.6 billion generated in output
- Responsible for 207,787 jobs which generated $13.2 billion in labor income
- $2.4 billion in local and state tax revenue
- $13.8 billion in cargo-related output
Passenger Growth and Connectivity
- Passenger Traffic: 60.1 million passengers in 2023, including 12.6 million international travelers
- Non-stop Destinations: In 2024, Houston’s airports provided nonstop service to 194 destinations, including 70 international markets
Cargo Operations and Supply Chain Support
- Cargo Volume: HAS handled 534,122 metric tons of cargo in 2023.
- Global Reach: Connecting Houston businesses to markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
- Export Leadership: Houston leads the U.S. in exporting oil and gas equipment, industrial valves and plastics, with key markets including Saudi Arabia, Brazil and the U.K.
Local Economic Impact
- Community Benefits: Nearly 78% of airport employees reside in Harris County, with an average commute time of just 23 minutes, fostering strong local workforce ties.
- Visitor Spending: In 2023, over 15 million air visitors spent an estimated $5.3 billion throughout the region supporting local employment and business activity, including accommodations, food and beverage and entertainment/recreation.
Infrastructure and Future Growth
- Capital Investments: HAS typically invests approximately $350 million annually in infrastructure, ensuring world-class facilities for passengers and cargo operations.
- Ellington Airport and Spaceport: As home to the Houston Spaceport, EFD supports aerospace innovation and economic opportunities, solidifying Houston’s status as a leader in space exploration.
