
Houston and Atlanta are two large cities in the United States, both of which are served by major airports. Houston is home to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), while Atlanta is served by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). When comparing the size of these airports, it is important to consider various factors such as passenger traffic, acreage, and the number of destinations served. So, is Houston Airport bigger than Atlanta Airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance between Atlanta and Houston | 793 miles |
| Atlanta's airport | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
| Houston's airport | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) |
| Houston's secondary airport | William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) |
| Atlanta's airport ranking | Busiest airport in the world |
| Houston's airport ranking | Texas's second-largest airport |
| Atlanta's attractions | World-class aquarium, museums, landmarks, and historic sights |
| Houston's attractions | NASA, The Space Center, local Texas restaurants |
| Atlanta's economy | Diverse, highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies |
| Houston's economy | Dominated by oil |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the second-largest air facility in Texas
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 7 miles from Atlanta's central business district
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 20-23 miles from Downtown Houston
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the primary hub of Delta Air Lines

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the primary international airport serving Atlanta and its surrounding metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is named after former Atlanta mayors William B. Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson. The airport covers 4,700 acres of land and has five parallel runways.
Since 1998, Hartsfield–Jackson has been the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic, except in 2020 when travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a dip in passenger traffic. In 2023, the airport served over 104.6 million passengers, the most of any airport in the world. The airport is also the world's busiest by aircraft movements.
The airport's success is attributed to the determination of Atlanta's leaders, such as William B. Hartsfield, who aimed high and refused to let obstacles get in the way. Atlanta also benefited from geographic advantages, with its mostly ice-free weather making it well-suited to serve a large portion of the American population.
Hartsfield–Jackson is the corporate headquarters and primary hub of Delta Air Lines, with over 1,000 flights daily to 225 domestic and international destinations. It is considered the first mega-hub in America and is the world's largest airline hub. In addition to Delta, the airport serves as an operating base for Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
The airport has a long history, beginning in 1925 when then-Mayor Walter Sims signed a lease for an abandoned auto racetrack site, which became Candler Field. The first flight into Candler Field was in September 1926, and over time, the airport expanded with new terminals, concourses, and runways to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
In comparison, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is Texas's second-largest air facility, covering 10,000 acres. While Houston may offer more sights and attractions for visitors, Atlanta's airport is significantly busier in terms of passenger traffic and aircraft movements.
Alamogordo, New Mexico: Airport Accessibility and Location
You may want to see also
Explore related products

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the second-largest air facility in Texas
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) is a Class B international airport in Houston, Texas, United States. Located 20 miles north of Downtown Houston between Interstate 45 and U.S. Highway 59, Bush Intercontinental is Texas's second-largest air facility, covering an area of 10,000 acres. It is named after George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States.
As the second-largest air facility in Texas, George Bush Intercontinental Airport plays a significant role in the state's aviation industry and serves as a major gateway to the city of Houston. The airport is a vital hub for United Airlines, which holds a substantial market share at the airport. In addition to United Airlines, other airlines, such as Spirit Airlines, also operate at the airport, contributing to a diverse range of flight options for passengers.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a comprehensive flight network, providing both domestic and international travel options. While the airport is known for its high-quality flight choices, it has faced some challenges regarding transportation to and from the city centre. The cost of travelling to downtown Houston from the airport can be expensive, and taxi fares can be particularly high. However, alternatives such as ride-sharing services and SuperShuttle provide more affordable options for passengers.
The airport's proximity to the city centre, located just 20 to 23 miles north of Downtown Houston, makes it a convenient option for travellers. George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as a preferred gateway for visitors to Houston, offering a range of facilities and services to meet the needs of its passengers. The airport's size and capacity enable it to handle a significant volume of air traffic, contributing to its reputation as a prominent aviation hub in Texas and the southern United States.
St Lucia Airport: Size, Scale, and Scope Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 7 miles from Atlanta's central business district
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the primary airport serving Atlanta and its surrounding metropolitan area. The airport is located 10 miles (16 km) south of the Downtown Atlanta district, which is approximately 7 miles from Atlanta's central business district. The airport covers 4,700 acres (7.3 sq mi; 19 km2) of land and has five parallel runways. With just over 1,000 flights a day to 225 domestic and international destinations, the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's largest airline hub. The airport has been the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic since 1998, except in 2020 when travel was restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is conveniently located near Interstates 20, 75, 85, and 285, making it easily accessible for travellers. The airport's proximity to these major roadways facilitates efficient transportation to and from the airport, with the drive from downtown Atlanta taking approximately 20 minutes during normal traffic conditions.
The airport has a rich history, starting in 1925 when Mayor Walter Sims signed a lease for an abandoned auto racetrack to be converted into an airfield. Over the years, the airport has undergone significant expansions and renovations to accommodate the increasing air traffic and demand for passenger capacity.
In comparison to Houston's airports, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is much closer to its city's central business district. Houston's primary airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), is situated 23 miles north of downtown Houston. While Houston's other airport, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), is a more convenient option for domestic travellers, it is still not as close to the city centre as Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
In summary, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport's location just 7 miles from Atlanta's central business district, along with its extensive flight network and accessibility via major roadways, makes it a convenient and efficient airport for travellers visiting Atlanta.
Travel Advisory: Masks at Seattle-Tacoma Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 20-23 miles from Downtown Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, also known as Houston International Airport or George Bush International Airport, is located 20-23 miles north of Downtown Houston. It is accessible via Interstate 45 and U.S. Highway 59, with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway. The airport spans 10,000 acres and is Texas's second-largest air facility, serving the Greater Houston metropolitan area.
The airport offers a range of transportation options to and from Downtown Houston, including the METRORail light rail system, which provides connections to various locations in the city. Additionally, scheduled bus and shuttle services are available, connecting the airport to destinations such as NRG Park, the Texas Medical Center, and William P. Hobby Airport.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a significant transportation hub, providing both domestic and international flights to five continents. It is the busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic and the 15th busiest in the United States as of 2021. The airport features five terminals and 121 gates, accommodating various airlines and offering a range of amenities for travellers.
Houston, known for its sprawling size, is a popular destination that attracts visitors with its unique attractions, including NASA and the Space Center. In comparison to Atlanta, Houston offers more sights and activities, making it a preferred choice for travellers seeking a diverse range of experiences. Atlanta, on the other hand, is renowned for its museums, landmarks, and shopping, attracting tourists interested in cultural and historical experiences.
Nipple Piercings: Airport Security Scanners and Metal Detectors
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the primary hub of Delta Air Lines
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is located seven miles south of the central business district of Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is the primary hub of Delta Air Lines, with just over 1,000 flights daily to 225 domestic and international destinations. The Delta hub is the world's largest airline hub and is considered America's first mega-hub.
The airport is mostly in unincorporated areas of Clayton County but extends into the city limits of Atlanta, College Park, and Hapeville, in territory extending into Fulton County. It began with a five-year, rent-free lease on 287 acres (116 ha) that was an abandoned auto racetrack named The Atlanta Speedway. The lease was signed on April 16, 1925, with the first flight into the airfield taking place in September 1926. In 1928, the airport's weather station became the official location for Atlanta's weather observations.
By the end of 1930, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport was the third-busiest airport in the country for regular daily flights, with sixteen arrivals and departures. During World War II, the airport doubled in size and set a record of 1,700 takeoffs and landings in a single day, making it the nation's busiest in terms of flight operations. In 1942, the airfield was renamed Atlanta Municipal Airport, and by 1948, over one million passengers had passed through.
Delta and Eastern dominated the airport during the 1970s, with Delta early to adopt the hub-and-spoke route system, giving it an advantage in the Atlanta market. When the current terminal complex opened in 1980, Delta occupied all of Concourse A and the southern side of Concourse B. Today, Delta offers convenient one-stop flights to cities across the United States from Atlanta, with connections to 300+ destinations worldwide.
While Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport and the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is Texas's second-largest air facility, covering 10,000 acres. Houston is also known for its sprawling size and is generally considered a more popular destination than Atlanta, with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors.
Bournemouth Airport: Efficient Access with Multiple Gates
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world with nonstop service to 160+ destinations. Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Texas's second-largest air facility.
The airport code for Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport is IAH, and for William P. Hobby Airport, it's HOU. The airport code for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is ATL.
Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the second-largest hub for United Airlines after the merger with Continental Airlines.
Transport options include taxi, ridesharing, and shuttle services. However, taxi fares are known to be exorbitantly overpriced, with rideshare and shuttle services being more affordable alternatives.



![[Pack 2] tag8 Ireland Flag Tag Smart Bag tag |Trendy Luggage tag ID Identification | Suitcase Tag | Fashionable Digital Name tag | Airline Compliant, SITA World Tracer Code Enabled | Gift idea](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61adY7xwtcL._AC_UY218_.jpg)






























