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    world-class recognition

    Houston airports soar with first-class awards in international rankings

    Eric Sandler
    Apr 18, 2024 | 4:30 pm
    IAH art car Freddie Mercury

    Houston airports display world-class art.

    Courtesy of Houston Airports

    Houston may be known for its museums, but that’s not the only place to enjoy works of art. Turns out anyone passing through one of the city’s airports should stop and look around a bit.

    During the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards in Frankfurt, the Houston airport system earned several prestigious honors, including a third consecutive five-star rating.

    Skytrax is the leading international air transport rating organization; they determine their ratings based on annual audits of every airport. The awards are based on surveys of airport passengers that were taken between August 2023 and March 2024. Airports do not pay to be included in the survey, a press release notes.

    For the second year in a row, the Houston airport system won Best Airport Art & Entertainment Program. Introduced last year, Houston Airports beat out Mumbai International Airport and Singapore Changi International Airport for the award. As part of its commitment to arts programming, Houston Airports recently partnered with the Orange Show to feature an art car at each airport.

    "Houston Airports is dedicated to creating a 5-Star global air service gateway that celebrates the magic of flight. We carefully invest in and curate art that reflects our city and the diverse global community we serve," Houston Airports director of aviation Jim Szczesniak said in a statement. "It's an honor to know that our unique arts program resonates with our passengers and the thoughtful ways we delight and entertain create positive and lasting memories. The arts have a special power, and with creativity and innovation, Houston Airports continues to elevate the airport arts experience to new heights.”

    Overall, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) maintained its five-star rating for the third year in a row. It is one of 20 total five-star airports in the world, but the only one in North America to earn the prestigious rating.

    Hobby also earned Best Regional Airport in North America for the third consecutive year and ranked among the top eight in the world for best staff.

    George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) maintained its four-star classification for the seventh year in a row. It was also named in the top 10 for Best Airport Dining Experiences.

    “Hobby and Bush help us put our best foot forward for people traveling for leisure or business and The Skytrax honors confirm the dedication to detail and commitment to customer service prioritized by Houston Airports and its 1,200 city employees,” Houston Airports COO Kelly Woodward added. “Another year of 5-Star and 4-Star ratings is proof that Houston Airports is moving in a positive direction where safety, cleanliness, and efficiency are prioritized and our airports mirror the signature experience of our global city — an experience rooted in warmth, hospitality and a celebration of all cultures.”

    More information about the awards can be found on fly2houston.com.

    ----

    Amber Heckler contributed to this article.

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    all routes lead to rome

    New nonstop flight connects Houston with Rome for the first time

    Jef Rouner
    Dec 3, 2025 | 3:30 pm
    Houston Mayor John Whitmire listens as Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, discusses the addition of ITA Airways at IAH.
    Photo courtest of Houston Airports
    Houston Mayor John Whitmire listens as Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, discusses the addition of ITA Airways at IAH.

    Thinking of a Roman holiday? The good news for Houstonians is that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin offering direct, nonstop flights to Rome starting next spring. It will be the first time IAH and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino, Italy have connected nonstop.

    “We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city's prominence on the global stage," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference held on Tuesday, December 2. "The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our business, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Italy. It will also bring more visitors to experience Houston's vibrant culture, world-class healthcare, and diverse industries."

    Starting May 1, 2026, ITA Airways will offer three flights a week between Houston and Rome, expanding to five flights a week beginning June 1. Houston is ITA's ninth North American destination.

    “Nonstop service to Rome is a defining moment for Houston and a direct result of the strength and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment, and new business opportunities into our region,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “It expands Houston’s presence in Europe and proves that disciplined, strategic growth at Houston Airports delivers measurable economic impact. Strong airports don’t just move people. They shape markets, expand opportunity and help define a city’s place in the world.”

    Flights will be made via a Airbus A330-900. The model is renowned for its comfort on long flights, including ergonomic seats, ample personal space, and a quiet cabin. Appropriately, many of the interior cabin components are made in Italy and reflect an elegant European design.

    Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, currently serving as America's ambassador to Italy, also welcomed the new route that connects his hometown with his current job.

    “As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA’s new direct route between Houston and Rome," Fertitta said. "It strengthens the economic links that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity. It was great working with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners that helped make this possible.”

    The new route to Rome continues the international expansion that has been happening at IAH over the last several years. Last year, the airport announced new non-stop flights to recent vacation hotspot, Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It was part of Houston Airports' goal of making Houston the gateway to America ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Now, it looks like IAH will be welcoming Italian soccer fans, as the routes open up just in time for the sports event next summer.

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