Sheila Jackson Lee Terminal E at IAH officially honors the late congresswoman’s decades of service to Houston and her commitment to strengthening the city’s international connectivity and infrastructure. Houston leaders, airport officials and members of Jackson Lee’s family gathered at George Bush Intercontinental Airport to dedicate Terminal E in her name, recognizing her role in securing federal support for Houston airports and advocating for aviation and transportation improvements throughout her career.
In an historic moment for the City of Houston, Mayor John Whitmire and invited guests joined Houston Airports, and the family of the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee gathered Monday to officially dedicate the Sheila Jackson Lee Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
The dedication permanently connects Jackson Lee’s legacy to one of the nation’s busiest international airports, where roughly 35,000 international passengers travel through Terminal E each day.
Jackson Lee represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District for more than three decades, a district that includes IAH. Throughout her time in Congress, she advocated for aviation security, federal transportation investment and infrastructure improvements that helped strengthen Houston’s airports and international reach.
According to the City Council resolution approving the renaming, Jackson Lee helped secure more than $125 million for Houston’s airports during her tenure in Congress.
“Sheila Jackson Lee dedicated her life to the people of Houston, and today our city honors a legacy built on public service, opportunity and an unwavering belief in this community,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “For decades, she fought for the neighborhoods, families and future of Houston, and there could not be a more fitting tribute than having her name welcome millions of travelers from around the world to this great city.”
“Terminal E is where Houston welcomes the world,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “Millions of travelers from around the world will now encounter the story of Sheila Jackson Lee here at one of America’s great international gateways. There could not be a more fitting tribute to a public servant who dedicated her life to connection, opportunity and the people of Houston.”
Terminal E became fully operational in April following the relocation of foreign flag air carriers from Terminal D, marking the completion of the construction project.
During the ceremony, the family unveiled a 500-pound memorial plaque crafted from cast bronze and black granite, featuring a bas-relief portrait of the late congresswoman.
In the coming weeks, the plaque will be permanently installed inside Terminal E’s international concourse beyond the TSA security checkpoint.
“Thank you to the City of Houston and our beloved community for acknowledging Sheila Jackson Lee by naming Terminal E in her honor,” the Jackson Lee family said in a statement. “Additional thanks to the Department of Homeland Security and the Harris County Congressional Delegation. We are thrilled that the gateway to the world and our great city reflects her leadership and legacy. Houston is the city that allowed Congresswoman Jackson Lee to soar to heights we could not have imagined. This day reflects not just what she meant to us, but what she means to each of you as a central figure in our community. It is our wish that this continues to inspire visitors for years to come.”
Jackson Lee died July 19, 2024, at the age of 74. Houston City Council unanimously approved the renaming of Terminal E on April 16, 2025.
Sheila Jackson Lee Terminal E at IAH was officially dedicated by Houston city leaders and airport officials to honor the late congresswoman’s impact on aviation, transportation and infrastructure development. The renaming recognizes her efforts to secure federal funding for Houston airports and her longstanding service to the city and Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
Source: Fly2Houston.com
