Houston's Airport: A Sprawling Hub Of Texas

how big is houston texas airport

The George Bush Intercontinental Airport, commonly known as the Houston International Airport, is a large airport in Houston, Texas. It is one of the largest airports in the world, covering 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land with five runways and servicing over 180 cities worldwide. The airport has a variety of transportation options and is well-equipped with amenities, including Wi-Fi, retail stores, and food and beverage outlets. With its expansive size and range of services, the Houston International Airport plays a significant role in connecting people, businesses, and cultures globally.

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George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Initially named Houston Intercontinental Airport when it opened in 1969, the airport was renamed in 1997 after George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States and a native Houstonian. The airport is also commonly called Houston International Airport or George Bush International Airport.

The airport provides various transport options for travellers, including scheduled bus and shuttle services to locations such as Downtown Houston, Uptown, Greenway Plaza, and William P. Hobby Airport. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), also offers bus services from the airport, with the 102 Bush IAH Express serving the area.

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William P. Hobby Airport

The airport is located about seven miles south of Downtown Houston and offers various transport options, including public buses, courtesy vans, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. It serves domestic destinations and has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers, reaching 14.5 million travellers in 2018.

The airport has a range of amenities, including WI-FI internet, retail stores, and over 15 food and beverage outlets. Various artworks are also placed throughout the airport, including sculptures and photographs.

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David Wayne Hooks Airport

David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport (IATA: DWH, ICAO: KDWH, FAA LID: DWH) is a public-use airport located near the city of Tomball in unincorporated Harris County, Texas. It is 23 miles (37 km) northwest of the central business district of Houston. It is the busiest general aviation airport in Texas and one of the busiest in the United States. The airport is privately owned by Northwest Airport Management, LP, and is managed by Amy Mounger and Alex Membreno.

The airport covers an area of 480 acres (190 hectares) and features two asphalt-paved runways: 17R/35L, which measures 7,009 x 100 ft (2,136 x 30 m), and 17L/35R, which measures 3,447 x 35 ft (1,067 x 11 m). It also has a seaplane landing area designated as runway 17W/35W, with dimensions of 2,530 x 100 ft (771 x 30 m). The airport is known for being one of the few privately-owned airports with a Federal Aviation Administration control tower.

The airport has a range of facilities, including the Aviator Grill, a restaurant with views of the main ramps and runway 17R. It also offers car rental services through the Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise. Additionally, Helicopter Services Inc. Memorial Hermann Life Flight operates a 24/7 North Base at the airport, providing both VFR and IFR helicopter air ambulance services.

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Transport options to and from the airport

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the largest airport in Houston, covering 10,000 acres (40 square kilometres) of land. The airport is located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston and is the third-largest airport in the United States for scheduled non-stop domestic and international services.

There are various transport options available to and from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. These include:

  • Shuttle services: Shared vans, such as Super Shuttle, provide services from the airport to surrounding communities, including NRG Park/NRG Astrodome, Downtown Houston, Uptown, Greenway Plaza, and the Texas Medical Center.
  • Public bus: The METRO Bus 102, also known as the Bush IAH Express, serves the airport and downtown locations. The bus runs from approximately 5 am until midnight, seven days a week, and the fare is $1.25 (cash only). The transit time to downtown is between 50 and 90 minutes.
  • Taxi: Taxi services are available at the airport, providing a convenient and direct transport option to and from the airport.
  • Courtesy vans: Various hotels and lodgings offer courtesy vans for guests. You can use the courtesy telephones in the baggage claim area to request a pick-up.
  • Private car: The airport is accessible by car via Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59, with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway.

In addition to the above options, there are also scheduled bus services to William P. Hobby Airport, which is located about seven miles south of Downtown Houston.

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Art and sculptures in the airport

Houston Airport System is the fourth-largest airport system in the country, serving over 180 cities worldwide. The system includes Bush Intercontinental Airport, which is the largest airport in Houston, and William P. Hobby Airport, which is located about 7 miles south of Downtown Houston.

Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and has five runways. The airport features an Artist in Residence program, which brings artists to public studios in the terminals to create art in various media, including paint, textiles, and sculpture. The airport has won top global awards for its commitment to showcasing art and creative talent from Houston.

Some of the notable art and sculptures at Bush Intercontinental Airport include:

  • Ed Carpenter's "Light Wings", a multicolored glass sculpture suspended below a skylight in the Terminal A North Concourse.
  • Terry Allen's "Countree Music", a cast bronze tree that plays instrumental music, located in the Terminal A South Concourse. However, the music is usually turned off.
  • Leamon Green's "Passing Through", a 200-foot (61 m) etched glass wall depicting airport travelers, displayed in the corridor leading to Terminal A.

William P. Hobby Airport has also showcase[d] Houston's famous art cars in collaboration with the Orange Show. The airport has seen significant increases in passenger numbers in recent years and offers various amenities such as Wi-Fi, retail stores, and food and beverage outlets.

Frequently asked questions

The airport covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and has five runways. It is Houston's largest airport.

Terminal E is used for United international flights and contains 24 gates. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, or METRO, offers bus services at the south side of Terminal C.

Ed Carpenter's "Light Wings", a multicolored glass sculpture, is installed at the Terminal A North Concourse. Terry Allen's "Countree Music", a cast bronze tree that plays instrumental music, is located at the Terminal A South Concourse. The corridor leading to Terminal A features Leamon Green's "Passing Through", a 200-foot (61 m) etched glass wall depicting airport travelers.

From Downtown Houston, one can take Interstate 69/U.S. Route 59 (Eastex Freeway) to Beltway 8 or Will Clayton Parkway to access the airport. Another option is to take Interstate 45 (North Freeway), connect to Beltway 8, and enter the airport from there. The Hardy Toll Road provides access to the airport from the north or south.

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