Hobby Airport's recently announced 5-star rating - first in North America - 'well deserved,' Houston Mayor Turner says

Houston's Hobby Airport's recently announced recognition as a 5-star airport really makes the city stand out, Mayor Sylvester Turner told a local news outlet.

Hobby Airport deserved the recognition, Turner said in an airport news release issued Friday, Jan. 7.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner | fly2houston.com/newsroom/

"This is a well-deserved and unique distinction for the City of Houston and our airport system," Turner said in the airport's news release. "Hobby Airport stands among the best in the world and this rating proves that being committed to first-class service is a tremendous benefit for Houston and the entire region."

Earlier this month, the international air transport rating organization Skytrax awarded William P. Hobby Airport the highly coveted 5-star rating for its facilities, comfort and cleanliness, shopping, food and beverages and staff service. Skytrax's rating, part of its World Airport Star Rating for 2022 announced Jan. 7, certified Hobby Airport as the first 5-Star Airport in North America and one of only 16 5-Star Airports worldwide.

"Hobby Airport delivers an excellent customer experience across frontline areas, and customers will find upgraded interior décor finishes, new play areas for children and enhanced nursery facilities for families," Skytrax said in its rating of Hobby. "There is a broad range of seat choices, and charging sockets and free fast WiFi is available throughout the terminal. The airport has very efficient processing for key formalities at security and immigration, and this is reinforced by short walking distances for departure, arrival, and transfer flights. Dining is provided from a range of local and national brands and offers a good choice and quality."

Hobby received many four- and five-star ratings throughout Skytrax's 29-category rating.

"This is a truly remarkable achievement for us, and we have been very intentional in working toward and finally achieving this goal," Houston Airports Aviation Director Mario Diaz said in Skytrax's announcement. "There are well over 41,000 airports in the world; Hobby Airport is among the 16 that are recognized as Skytrax 5-star airports. That’s elite and it speaks to the tireless work and dedication of our staff and partners to ensure a world-class, safe customer experience for every single passenger. I couldn’t be more grateful and proud of our Houston Airports team."

In the ground transportation category, Skytrax awarded Hobby Airport four stars for its public transportation options and five stars for distance to public transportation, airport taxi service and car rental.

For its wayfinding and signage, Skytrax awarded Hobby Airport a little less than five stars for transfers, clarity, helpful staff and help-counter service. In the same category, Hobby Airport received a full five stars for arrivals, departures, signage language choices, sign positioning and clarity, terminal maps, airport app navigation and information kiosks.

Hobby also scored high for its new children's play area, state-of-the-art restroom facilities, prayer room and its new stage for live music performances.

Houston's larger airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, scored a four-star rating from Skytrax for the fifth straight year.

"From your house to ours, we promise to deliver a five-star airport experience for our guests that showcases world-class service, modern facilities and uniquely 'Houston friendly' hospitality – first time, every time." Diaz said in Hobby Airport's news release. "That is the Houston Airports guest experience brand promise, a promise our team members strive to keep every single day at Bush and Hobby airports."