United Airlines has begun operations from a newly completed north concourse at Terminal B of Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The three-level facility, presented to media the day before opening, provides 22 gates for United narrowbody aircraft and forms the focal point of a broader Terminal B Transformation Program.
Terminal and capacity
The building spans around 71,000 m² (765,000 square feet) and replaces parts of the terminal complex dating back to 1969. Together with the recently refurbished south concourse, which offers 26 gates configured for larger two-class regional jets, United will operate from 48 gates in Terminal B once both concourses are fully integrated.
Passenger facilities and baggage
The north concourse includes a new baggage system equipped with tracking technology, expanded vehicular access capacity and a street-level check-in area. All flights operating from the north concourse board via jetbridges. An alternate circulation route provides improved connectivity towards Terminal A.
- Gates in north concourse: 22 (narrowbody)
- Total Terminal B gates after works: 48 (22 north + 26 south)
- Building area: approximately 71,000 m²
The united club
A striking element of the project is the mezzanine-level United Club, which United describes as occupying about 5,000 m² (54,000 square feet). The airline states the club has capacity for 800 people and features a 125 m² outdoor terrace, two bars, two buffet stations, 11 private phone booths and panoramic apron views. With this opening, United operates seven clubs and lounges at IAH, including an existing United Polaris Lounge and a United Club Fly that opened in February 2025.
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| North concourse area | ~71,000 m² |
| Gates (north concourse) | 22 (narrowbody) |
| United Club size | ~5,000 m², capacity 800 |
The terminal development is described as the centrepiece of a US$2.6 billion Terminal B Transformation Program. United has presented the project as supporting growth from Houston, highlighting planned network adjustments for the northern winter season that include adding nonstop flights to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Cartagena and Caracas and the expected resumption of the Houston–C[aracas?] service.
The expanded concourse and upgraded passenger facilities have direct implications for aircraft operations, ground handling and transfer flows at IAH. The new baggage tracking capability and additional vehicular capacity aim to enhance throughput and passenger connectivity across the terminal complex.
