Houston Airport System says it supports about 207,000 jobs and $40.6 billion in annual economic activity

The Houston Airport System is responsible for an estimated 207,000 jobs across the region and about $40.6 billion in annual economic output, Houston Airport System Director Jim Cessniak told the City Council Economic Development Committee on Feb. 15.

Cessniak said the system’s labor income totals about $13.2 billion and that state and local tax revenue linked to airport activity is roughly $2.4 billion annually. He highlighted cargo activity as a major driver: the system reported about $13.8 billion in cargo‑related output, with George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) accounting for a substantial portion of cargo operations. Cessniak gave system sub‑totals in the presentation: IAH (referred to as Bush) supports roughly 157,000 jobs and about $30 billion in impact, Hobby supports about $7.8 billion in output and roughly 41,000 jobs, and Ellington contributes about $2.0 billion, driven in part by military and general aviation activity.

Councilmembers asked how the report breaks out direct, indirect and induced impacts; Cessniak said passenger and traffic counts come from airlines and that the report follows standard practice by separating direct airport jobs from indirect supplier jobs and induced spending in the wider economy.

Cessniak characterized the findings as important to Houston because airport‑related wages and spending are recycled into the local economy through tourism, conventions and related business activity. He provided the report as a completed analysis during the meeting; the committee discussion focused on interpretation, counting methods and outreach to ensure local businesses and contractors can participate in upcoming procurement opportunities.