Major International Airlines Move to Terminal E at Houston’s Bush Airport as IAH Redevelopment Enters Final Phase
International travelers departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will notice an important change the next time they fly overseas. Several major global airlines have officially moved their check-in operations from Terminal D to Terminal E, part of a major effort to modernize Houston’s primary international gateway.
As of March 11, passengers flying with Air France, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Avianca, EVA Air, KLM, Lufthansa and ZIPAIR will now check in at Terminal E, even though some flights may still depart from gates in other terminals.
The transition represents a major step forward in the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), a multi-year project designed to streamline international travel and prepare Houston for continued global growth—including the expected surge in visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Airport officials say the changes are designed to improve the experience from the moment travelers arrive.
“This is about giving our passengers the world-class experience they deserve the moment they walk into the terminal,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “As we prepare to welcome soccer fans and introduce new nonstop flights to Rome this summer, Terminal E serves as a source of pride for Houstonians and reflects the city’s role as a leading international gateway and improves efficiency for our passengers.”
What International Travelers Should Know
Under the new system, travelers flying with the participating airlines will begin their journey in Terminal E, where they will check in and clear security before heading to their departure gate.
The updated process includes:
- Check-in at Terminal E
- Security screening at a 17-lane TSA checkpoint, offering TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+
- Proceeding to the departure gate after security
Airport officials encourage passengers to confirm their check-in location with their airline before arriving at IAH, especially as additional carriers are scheduled to move to Terminal E in phases over the coming weeks.
For travelers who accidentally arrive at Terminal D, airport staff will direct them to Terminal E, approximately a 10-minute walk away.
To help passengers during the transition, customer service representatives wearing bright orange polos are stationed throughout both terminals.
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What’s New Inside Terminal E at IAH
For many travelers previously checking in at Terminal D, the redesigned IAH Terminal E international check-in facility will offer a noticeably upgraded experience.
The expanded terminal now includes:
- Self-service bag drop stations
- Passport-enabled self-service check-in kiosks
- One of the largest TSA screening areas in the United States with 17 lanes
- Expanded curb space with 11 departures lanes and 8 arrivals lanes
- Pre-security dining options offering hot food, coffee, alcohol and grab-and-go items
- Secure-side dining options such as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Chick-fil-A
One of the most visually striking features is the high-definition LED Oculus installation, visible from both the departures and arrivals levels. The immersive multimedia display showcases Houston’s landscapes, culture and space legacy through a rotating digital art experience created by Gentilhomme Studio in collaboration with Houston Airports and industry technology partners.
New Technology Streamlining International Check-In
Terminal E is also introducing new technology designed to reduce wait times and improve passenger flow.
IAH is now using the Amadeus bag drop system, widely deployed at major European airports. The system allows travelers to check luggage quickly using automated stations or receive assistance from airline staff.
The deployment marks a milestone for the region—IAH is the first airport in Texas and only the second in the United States to implement the technology.
Airport leaders say the system is a critical component in managing the growing number of international travelers flying through Houston each year.
Parking and Airport Access Remain the Same
Despite the operational changes, parking and ground access at IAH are not changing.
Travelers flying internationally can continue to:
- Park in the C/D/E Garage
- Park in the A/B Garage and take the airport Subway directly to Terminal E
Once inside the terminal, passengers can proceed directly to the Terminal E Departures level.
Why the Transition Is Happening Now
The shift to Terminal E comes as newly installed check-in counters, baggage systems and expanded security screening areas are now fully operational.
By transitioning airlines in phases, Houston Airports aims to ensure smoother travel during peak seasons and ahead of major global events.
The timing also aligns with new international service launching soon at IAH, including ITA Airways’ nonstop flights between Houston and Rome beginning in May.
Centralizing international check-in operations in Terminal E is expected to reduce congestion, improve passenger flow and create a more organized travel experience for international flyers.
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Terminal D Will Continue Operating
While some airlines are moving check-in services, Terminal D is not closing.
Low-cost international carriers Volaris and VivaAerobus will continue operating from the Terminal D Ticketing Lobby, and airport officials say the terminal will remain an important part of IAH’s international infrastructure—particularly as Houston prepares for increased travel during the 2026 World Cup.
Preparing Houston for Global Travel Growth
The broader IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program represents one of the most significant modernization efforts at the airport in decades. The project focuses on upgrading baggage systems, expanding security capacity and centralizing international check-in operations.
For Houston, the improvements reinforce the airport’s role as one of the leading international gateways in the southern United States, connecting the region to destinations across Europe, Asia and Latin America.
As Terminal E continues to welcome additional airlines in the coming weeks, airport officials say the changes are designed to ensure that millions of travelers passing through Houston each year experience a smoother, more efficient start to their journey.
For the latest updates on travel changes, infrastructure improvements and major developments impacting the Houston region, readers can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.