Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is working on the planning and design phase for its $250 million expansion at Hobby Airport in Houston. A Houston Business Journal report says the expansion will affect three areas; the west concourse, the baggage claim area and the behind-the-scenes baggage deliver system.

With the expansion, seven gates will be added to the existing facility. Of those seven, two will be international-capable gates. Travelers will have opportunities to enjoy new amenities, such as concessions, before their flights.

The baggage claim area will also be renovated. The project intends to replace the baggage claim units to add more capacities and space for bags as Southwest expects more people to travel through Hobby with the additional gates. The flow into the baggage claim hall will be improved to reduce congestion and confusion.

Southwest is by far the dominant airline at Hobby, having carried 93.82% of all passengers at the airport over the 12-month span of January through December 2022.