Southwest Airlines commences construction of new Houston Hobby international terminal

Southwest Airlines announced (30-Sep-2013) it has commenced construction on its new USD156 million international terminal at US' Houston Hobby Airport. The project includes a new five-gate terminal, the expansion of the existing security checkpoint and upgrades to the carrier's ticketing area. The new terminal is scheduled to open in late 2015, with Southwest to operate services to the Caribbean, Mexico and northern destinations in South America. Houston Airport System plans to construct a new paring facility in addition to improving the existing roadway system. Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said: "With this new international terminal, we are not only literally breaking ground at Hobby Airport, we are charting new territory for our company and for low-cost and high-value air travel. This will be Southwest's first international terminal in our 43-year history, and we look forward to bringing lower fares and more international flights to a city that could benefit from increased competition." Houston mayor Annise Parker added: "Establishing international air service at William P Hobby Airport will benefit Houston passengers in a variety of different ways, including increasing competition, boosting the local economy, and strengthening the ties that already exist with our friends in Latin America. And perhaps the best news of all, it comes at no expense to the Houston taxpayer." [more - original PR Southwest Airlines] [more - original PR Hobby Airport]