Houston renamed Terminal E to honor late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, celebrating her 30-year legacy and contributions to Houston’s airports and community.
HOUSTON — Houston leaders gathered Monday at George Bush Intercontinental Airport to officially dedicate Terminal E in honor of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
The terminal, now named the Sheila Jackson Lee Terminal E, serves about 35,000 international travelers each day and is one of the busiest international gateways in the country.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire joined Houston Airports officials and Jackson Lee’s family for the ceremony. During the event, the family unveiled a 500-pound memorial plaque featuring a portrait of the longtime congresswoman. The plaque will be permanently installed inside the international concourse in the coming weeks.
“Sheila Jackson Lee dedicated her life to the people of Houston, and today our city honors a legacy built on public service, opportunity and an unwavering belief in this community,” Whitmire said in a statement. “For decades, she fought for the neighborhoods, families and future of Houston.”
Jackson Lee represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District for more than 30 years, including the area surrounding Bush Airport. City officials said she helped secure more than $125 million for Houston airports during her time in Congress and pushed for aviation security and infrastructure improvements.
“Terminal E is where Houston welcomes the world,” Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said in a statement. “There could not be a more fitting tribute to a public servant who dedicated her life to connection, opportunity and the people of Houston.”
Jackson Lee died on July 19, 2024, at the age of 74. Houston City Council unanimously approved the terminal renaming in April 2025.
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