Saba Abashawl

As Deputy Director of the Houston Airport System, Saba manages the External Affairs division for Global Industry Relations, Government Affairs and Community Engagement. She leads a variety of Business Development initiatives that together, provide a vital support for new and expanded air service in Houston. Saba actively participates in efforts to retain, expand and relocate international and domestic business to Houston, to fuel the local economy and increase traffic through Houston Airports.

Saba also serves as Executive Officer for the Mayor of Houston in foreign affairs and business development initiatives, fostering economic vitality for both Houston Airports and the greater Houston region.  Her efforts reinforce Houston as a “global gateway” destination to international leaders.

Her work with leaders at both the Departments of State and Homeland Security has been instrumental in developing various passenger facilitation best practices. This integral partnership assured the timely opening of the new international concourse at Hobby Airport in 2015, and implementing a touchless, biometrics travel process at both HOU and IAH.

Saba is a diversity and inclusion champion, working to assure all passengers with varying social and cultural backgrounds are welcomed at Houston Airports. Accessibility programs were implemented for persons with reduced mobility, to better utilize the airport.

An active member of numerous civic and professional organizations, Saba was appointed by the Secretary of Transportation to the Human Trafficking Awareness Committee, and by the Secretary of Homeland Security to the Custom and Border Protection Advisory Committee.  Saba holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a master’s degree in International Finance and Business, both from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Saba Abashawl

Chief External Affairs Officer

Houston Airports

16930 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

Houston, TX 77032

(281) 233-1829

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