'We are very excited': Southwest Airlines to engage in $250 million expansion at Hobby Airport

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines will undertake a terminal expansion project at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport.

The carrier looks to grow its presence at Hobby Airport, or HOU by adding seven new gates at the airport's newest concourse, an endeavor that'll cost $250 million and take about half a decade to complete, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The Houston City Council gave its blessing toward the project by voting to approve an extra $20 million at its March 2 meeting.

"[Southwest has] many options when it comes to future growth across their network," Houston Airport System chief operating officer Jim Szczesniak said, according to the Houston Chronicle. "We are very excited that they are committed to expanding at Hobby Airport, the first and only 5-star rated airport in North America, according to Skytrax."

According to the publication, Southwest and the Houston Airport System will first plan and design the new gates and present their work to the city council for a final price tag on construction.

The airline will cover the expansion, with the city reportedly agreeing to give a reimbursement funding by rent paid by the west concourse's tenants.

"While we are in the very early stages of the project, we appreciate the ongoing support from the city of Houston, and the team at [Houston Airport System], as we embark on this next phase in our more than 50-year partnership," Dan Landson, the carrier's spokesperson, told the Houston Chronicle.

A majority of the new gates will be for domestic flights while one is designated for international service.