
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located about 23 miles north of Downtown Houston, is a bustling hub of activity, serving as a gateway to the world for the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area. With five terminals connected by the Skyway and Subway, the airport offers a variety of transportation options and handles a significant volume of domestic and international passenger traffic. As of 2023, the airport accommodated over 46 million passengers, solidifying its position as a busy aviation centre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 23 miles north of Downtown Houston, Texas |
| Area | 10,000 acres |
| Number of Runways | 5 |
| Number of Terminals | 5 (A, B, C, D, and E) |
| Number of Destinations | Scheduled flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations covering five continents; offers service to more than 30 destinations in Mexico |
| Airlines | United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Continental Airlines (defunct), Texas International Airlines (defunct) |
| Passenger Traffic Ranking | 15th busiest airport in the United States for total passenger traffic as of 2022; second-busiest airport in Texas as of 2021 |
| Passenger Count | 46,192,094 passengers in 2023 |
| Transportation Options | Interstate 45, Interstate 69/U.S. Route 59 (Eastex Freeway), Beltway 8, Will Clayton Parkway, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) bus services, shuttle services, taxi services, private transfers |
| Dining Options | Starbucks, Einstein Bros. Bagels |
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What You'll Learn
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the busiest airport in Texas for international traffic
- It is the 15th busiest airport in the US for total passenger traffic
- The airport has five terminals, connected by Skyway and Subway
- It offers flights to 30+ destinations in Mexico, the most of any US airport
- The airport is named after George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the busiest airport in Texas for international traffic
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, is the busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic. Covering five continents, the airport offers scheduled flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations. It is one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines and formerly served as a hub for Continental Airlines and Texas International Airlines.
The airport is easily accessible from Downtown Houston via Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59, with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, or METRO, provides bus services to and from the airport, including the 102 Bush IAH Express. Additionally, carriers offer scheduled bus and shuttle services to locations such as NRG Park, Downtown Houston, Uptown, and the Texas Medical Center.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) that are interconnected through the Skyway and the Subway. Terminal A handles non-United domestic and Canadian flights, international departures, and some United Express flights. Terminal B exclusively serves United Express flights, while Terminal C is the main base for United Airlines' domestic operations. Terminal D does not currently accommodate international arrivals, which are instead handled by Terminal E.
The airport has undergone significant improvements, including the $1.3 billion IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). This program includes the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT), which will consolidate Terminals D and E into a centralised terminal. The ITRP is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025, with future expansion plans aiming to accommodate up to 33 million international passengers annually.
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It is the 15th busiest airport in the US for total passenger traffic
George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, is a bustling hub of activity, serving as the 15th busiest airport in the United States for total passenger traffic as of 2022. With a vast expanse of 10,000 acres and five runways, the airport handles an impressive number of travellers. Its location, about 23 miles north of Downtown Houston, makes it easily accessible via major roadways such as Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59.
The airport offers scheduled flights to a diverse range of domestic and international destinations spanning five continents. Notably, it is the busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic, showcasing its significance in facilitating global travel. With over 30 destinations in Mexico alone, Bush Intercontinental surpasses any other U.S. airport in terms of Mexican travel options.
As one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines, George Bush Intercontinental Airport plays a pivotal role in the operations of this major carrier. The airport's five terminals, connected through the Skyway and Subway, efficiently manage the flow of passengers. Terminal A caters to non-United domestic and Canadian flights, international departures, and select United Express flights. Terminal B is dedicated solely to United Airlines, serving all their express flights except international arrivals. Terminal C serves as the backbone of United Airlines' domestic operations, while Terminals D and E handle international traffic.
To accommodate the growing passenger numbers, the airport embarked on a $1.3 billion capital improvement program in 2020, known as the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). This initiative includes the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal, which will consolidate Terminals D and E into a centralised facility. The expansion plans are designed to handle 33 million enplaned international passengers annually, reflecting the airport's proactive approach to meeting future demand.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience. The presence of Starbucks, with its familiar menu of premium coffees and Frappuccinos, provides a comforting touch for travellers. Additionally, the airport boasts artistic installations such as Ed Carpenter's "Light Wings," a multicoloured glass sculpture, and Terry Allen's "Countree Music," a cast bronze tree that delights passengers with instrumental music.
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The airport has five terminals, connected by Skyway and Subway
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located about 23 miles north of Downtown Houston, is a bustling aviation hub with five terminals: A, B, C, D, and E. These terminals are conveniently interconnected, offering seamless travel experiences through the Skyway and Subway systems.
Terminal A stands out for its impressive art installations, showcasing Ed Carpenter's "Light Wings," a multicolored glass sculpture suspended below a skylight. It handles a range of flights, including non-United domestic and Canadian services, international departures, and some United Express flights. Terminal A is further divided into two gate groups: A1-A15 and A17-A30.
Moving to Terminal B, we find that this terminal is exclusively dedicated to United Airlines. It serves as the hub for all United Express flights, except for international arrivals. The gates in Terminal B are numbered from B1 to B88 and are spread across different concourses.
Terminal C is the heart of United Airlines' domestic operations, with gates ranging from C1 to C45 in both the South and North concourses. Terminal D is currently undergoing refurbishment as part of the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). It does not accommodate international arrivals, so those flights are directed to Terminal E. The gates in Terminal D are numbered D7 to D18B.
The airport's fifth terminal, Terminal E, is also undergoing transformation as part of the ITRP. The program includes the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT), which will consolidate Terminals D and E into a centralised terminal with shared ticketing, departure, and arrival facilities. The ITRP is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025, enhancing the airport's capacity to handle the growing number of passengers.
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It offers flights to 30+ destinations in Mexico, the most of any US airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located about 23 miles north of Downtown Houston, is a bustling hub for travellers, offering an extensive range of domestic and international flights. Among its many destinations, the airport boasts an impressive number of flights to Mexico, with services to over 30 locations across the country. This makes Houston Airport, named after George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, a leader in terms of Mexican travel options from the US.
The airport's code, IAH, refers to its location in Houston, Texas, and it covers a vast area of 10,000 acres, featuring five runways and five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E). Terminal A caters to non-United domestic and Canadian flights, some United Express flights, and international departures. Terminal B is dedicated solely to United Express flights, excluding international arrivals. Terminal C serves as the primary base for United Airlines' domestic operations, while Terminal D handles domestic flights and connects passengers to international arrivals in Terminal E.
The range of travel options at George Bush Intercontinental Airport extends beyond its numerous flight offerings. Visitors can easily navigate their way to and from the airport via various transfer services, including the METRO public transportation company, which provides multiple bus routes. Shuttle services are also available, connecting passengers to locations like NRG Park, Downtown Houston, Uptown, and the Texas Medical Center. For those seeking a more private mode of transportation, taxi and transfer services are readily accessible.
As part of a $1.3 billion capital improvement program, the airport is currently undergoing enhancements through the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). This initiative includes the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal, which will consolidate Terminals D and E into a centralised terminal with shared ticketing, departure, and arrival facilities. The project is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025, further elevating the airport's capacity and passenger experience.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is not just a transportation hub but also a cultural experience. The airport showcases various art installations, such as Ed Carpenter's "Light Wings," a multicoloured glass sculpture in Terminal A, and Terry Allen's "Countree Music," a cast bronze tree in Terminal A's South Concourse. With its focus on art, convenient travel options, and an impressive range of destinations, including its leadership in Mexican travel options, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a significant gateway for travellers.
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The airport is named after George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, is a bustling aviation hub named after George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. With scheduled flights to destinations on five continents, it is the 15th busiest airport in the United States for total passenger traffic as of 2022. As of 2023, the airport handled over 46 million passengers, solidifying its status as a major gateway to the Houston region.
The airport is a testament to George H. W. Bush's legacy and impact on the nation. Bush, who served as president from 1989 to 1993, is remembered for his contributions to domestic and international affairs, including his focus on foreign policy and the promotion of a "kinder and gentler nation." The airport's name honours his memory and reflects the respect he garnered during his political career.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, with its five runways and vast expanse of 10,000 acres (40 km2), is a significant hub for United Airlines and offers scheduled flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. It is the busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic, serving more Mexican destinations than any other US airport. The airport's accessibility is enhanced by its proximity to major roadways, including Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59, providing direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway.
The airport boasts an impressive array of transportation options, including scheduled bus and shuttle services to locations like NRG Park, Downtown Houston, and the Texas Medical Center. Additionally, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, or METRO, provides bus services to and from the airport, ensuring convenient travel for passengers and employees alike. The airport's terminals showcase various artworks, such as Ed Carpenter's "Light Wings," a multicoloured glass sculpture in Terminal A North Concourse, and Terry Allen's "Countree Music," a cast bronze tree in Terminal A South Concourse.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is currently undergoing significant improvements through a $1.3 billion capital improvement program, the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). This initiative includes the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal, which will consolidate Terminals D and E into a centralised terminal. The project is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025, further enhancing the airport's capacity and passenger experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a very busy airport. It is the busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic and, as of 2022, it is the 15th busiest airport in the United States for total passenger traffic.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has 5 terminals: A, B, C, D, and E. All terminals are connected through the Skyway and the Subway.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, offers bus services to and from the airport. Several shuttle bus companies are also at your disposal, as well as taxi services. If you prefer private transportation, you can book a transfer.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a variety of dining options, including Starbucks, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and Tex-Mex options. The airport also features various artworks, including Ed Carpenter's "Light Wings", a multicolored glass sculpture suspended below a skylight in Terminal A North Concourse, and Terry Allen's "Countree Music", a cast bronze tree that plays instrumental music in Terminal A South Concourse.











































