Test: Preparing for Takeoff: Test ‘gate fits’ underway at new IAH Terminal D-West Pier

As excitement builds for the grand opening of the expanded Terminal D-West Pier at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on October 22, the Houston Airports Operational Readiness and Transition (ORAT) team is hard at work ensuring a seamless debut. The 160,000-square-foot expansion, designed to enhance the passenger experience and accommodate increased air traffic, features six new gates—D1 through D6—ready to welcome travelers.

In the weeks leading up to the opening, the ORAT team has been conducting a series of "test fits" to fine-tune the functionality of each gate. This meticulous process involves collaboration with several airport stakeholders, including airlines, cargo handlers, fueling partners, and catering services, ensuring that each has the room needed to safely work on and around the airplane.