Overview & Role
William P. Hobby Airport (KHOU/HOU) is Houston's original major airport and today serves as a combined commercial and general-aviation field on the city's south side, roughly 7 miles from downtown and the Texas Medical Center. Owned and operated by the City of Houston as part of the Houston Airport System, it pairs scheduled airline service with one of Texas's busiest business-aviation ramps, logging more than 200,000 annual operations.
Runway Capability
Hobby operates four runways. The two primary surfaces, 4/22 and 12L/30R, each extend 7,602 feet and are grooved for wet-weather braking; a 5,148 ft runway (12R/30L) and a 6,000 ft runway (17/35) round out the system. The 7,602 ft length accommodates the entire business-jet spectrum, including ultra-long-range types like the Gulfstream G650ER and Global 7500, with comfortable margins for high-humidity, high-gross-weight departures. ILS, RNAV (GPS) and visual approaches are available 24/7.
Charter Considerations
Hobby is the preferred Houston field for travelers bound for downtown, the Texas Medical Center, the Galleria or NRG/Texans events, sitting roughly 7 miles south of downtown versus Bush Intercontinental (IAH) on the north side. Six FBOs compete on the field, supporting strong aircraft availability and competitive Texas fuel pricing. The Jet Finder sources FAA Part 135 operators positioned near KHOU and compares positioning fees, hourly rates and aircraft quality for each mission.
Restrictions & Planning
A charted FAA restriction requires aircraft with wingspans over 125 feet to obtain 24-hour prior permission (PPR); this covers the largest widebody business and airline-derived types. Voluntary noise-abatement procedures apply roughly 11pm-6am, but there is no hard nighttime curfew, and the airport remains open 24/7. A CBP Federal Inspection Station on field clears international arrivals. Crews should also note birds on and near the airport and a complex multi-runway taxi layout requiring heading verification.
Customs & International
Hobby hosts a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station, making it a viable port of entry for international private flights. Wilson Air Center sits adjacent to U.S. Customs on the south end of the field, and several FBOs coordinate international handling, catering and clearance for transient crews.
Seasonal & Operational Factors
Hobby's Gulf Coast setting brings hot, humid summers with rapidly building afternoon thunderstorms, typically peaking between early afternoon and early evening, so morning departures generally offer the smoothest conditions. Hurricane season (June through November) can disrupt operations, and winter mornings occasionally bring fog. The 46 ft field elevation keeps density-altitude effects minimal year-round. Traffic peaks during energy-industry conference season, Texans NFL home games and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each March.
Regional Context
Greater Houston offers several private-aviation options. Hobby anchors the south side; Bush Intercontinental (IAH) serves the north and The Woodlands; Sugar Land (SGR), David Wayne Hooks (DWH) and Ellington (EFD) provide reliever capacity. Houston's status as an energy-industry headquarters city, anchored by the Texas Medical Center and NASA, makes it one of the busiest private-jet markets in the country, and Hobby's proximity to the core business districts keeps it the first choice for many corporate flights.