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George Bush Intercontinental Airport, also known as Houston International Airport, is located in Houston, Texas, United States. The airport's official code is IAH, with an ICAO code of KIAH. The airport is named after George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, and is one of the largest airports in the country. With a vast expanse of 10,000 acres and five runways, the airport serves as a significant hub for United Airlines and previously served Continental Airlines and Texas International Airlines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | George Bush Intercontinental Airport |
| Former Names | Houston Intercontinental Airport |
| Common Names | Houston International Airport, George Bush International Airport |
| Location | Houston, Texas, United States |
| IATA Code | IAH |
| ICAO Code | KIAH |
| FAA LID | IAH |
| Size | 10,000 acres (40 km2) |
| Number of Runways | 5 |
| Number of Terminals | 5 |
| Airlines | United Airlines, Continental Airlines, British Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines |
| Destinations | Over 176 domestic and international destinations worldwide |
| Passenger Traffic | 39,891,444 passengers in 2024 |
| Ranking | 26th busiest airport in the world, 2nd busiest in Texas for international passenger traffic |
| Food Options | Starbucks, Einstein Bros. Bagels |
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What You'll Learn
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
The airport was initially named Houston Intercontinental Airport when it opened in 1969. In 1997, it was renamed in honour of George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States and a resident of Houston. The airport is also commonly referred to as Houston International Airport or George Bush International Airport.
The airport has five terminals, labelled A, B, C, D, and E, with a variety of dining and transportation options. Terminals D and E have access to an international arrivals facility, and Terminal D can accommodate super jumbo jets such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8. Terminal A is primarily used by non-United domestic carriers, while Terminal B is for United Express flights and Terminal C for United domestic flights. Terminal D serves non-United international flights, and Terminal E is designated for United international flights and international arrivals.
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IATA code: IAH
The IATA code IAH refers to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, United States. The airport is also commonly called Houston International Airport or George Bush International Airport. It was initially named Houston Intercontinental Airport when it opened in 1969, but was renamed in 1997 to honour George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States and a resident of Houston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a large airport, covering 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and featuring five runways. It is one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines and has scheduled flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations covering five continents. In 2025, it was the second busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic. The airport is served by 17 passenger airlines flying to over 176 destinations worldwide and is constantly expanding. In 2022, it was the 26th busiest airport in the world, with 39,891,444 passengers passing through its terminals.
The airport has a variety of transfer and transportation options for visitors. It also has a range of dining options, including Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
The airport's ICAO code is KIAH and its FAA LID is also IAH. The IATA code of IAH is also used for the airport by other organisations, including the Houston Airport System.
The airport has undergone a number of improvements and expansions over the years. In 2020, a $1.3 billion capital improvement program called the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP) was begun. This includes the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT), which will consolidate today's Terminal D and Terminal E into one centralised terminal. The ITRP is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025.
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ICAO code: KIAH
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, originally called Houston Intercontinental Airport, has the ICAO code KIAH. The airport is located in Houston, Texas, United States, and serves the Greater Houston metropolitan area. It is situated about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway.
The airport's ICAO code, KIAH, is derived from its IATA code, IAH. The IATA code IAH is based on the stylization of the airport's original name as the "Intercontinental Airport of Houston". The airport's IATA and ICAO codes remain based on this name, even though the airport was renamed in 1997.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a major international airport, offering scheduled flights to numerous domestic and international destinations spanning five continents. It is one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines and previously served as a hub for Continental Airlines and Texas International Airlines. The airport covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and features five runways.
The airport has undergone various improvements and expansions over the years. In 2020, a $1.3 billion capital improvement program, the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), was initiated. 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 its extensive flight offerings and ongoing enhancements, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (ICAO: KIAH) plays a significant role in facilitating travel to and from the Houston area.
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FAA LID: IAH
The FAA LID for Houston Airport is IAH. This is George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which was initially called Houston Intercontinental Airport when it opened in 1969. The airport was renamed in 1997 to honour George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States and a Houston resident.
The airport's IATA code of IAH is derived from the stylisation of the airport's original name: Intercontinental Airport of Houston. Houston Airport is one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines and covers 10,000 acres of land. It has five runways and is located about 23 miles north of Downtown Houston.
Houston Airport has a variety of transfer and transportation options. It is served by 17 passenger airlines flying to over 176 domestic and international destinations worldwide. In 2025, it was the second busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic and the 15th busiest in the US.
The airport has a range of food and beverage options, including Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
The airport is currently undergoing a $1.3 billion capital improvement program called the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). This includes the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT), which will consolidate Terminals D and E into one centralised terminal.
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Renamed in 1997
The airport in Houston, Texas, officially known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport, has had several name changes since its opening in 1969.
Initially named Houston Intercontinental Airport, it was renamed in 1997 to honour George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States and a resident of Houston. The name change reflected a desire to commemorate the former president, who had ties to the city. This renaming also served to distinguish it from the city's other airports, including William P. Hobby Airport (formerly known as Houston International Airport).
The airport's official name, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, highlights its international status and capacity to handle a large volume of passenger traffic. Despite the name change, it is still commonly referred to as Houston International Airport or George Bush International Airport by locals and visitors alike.
The airport's IATA code is IAH, and its ICAO code is KIAH. These codes are used in airport and aviation circles to uniquely identify the airport for operational and logistical purposes. The IATA code, IAH, is often used as a shorthand version of the airport's name in various contexts, such as flight schedules and baggage tags.
Expansion and Improvements
Over the years, the airport has undergone significant expansion and improvements to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. One notable project is the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), a $1.3 billion capital improvement program that began in 2020. This 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 halls. Terminal D will also be refurbished with a new concourse, Pier D West, enhancing the airport's capacity and functionality.
Accessibility and Amenities
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is easily accessible, located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59. It offers a range of transportation options for visitors, ensuring smooth transfers to and from the airport.
The airport also provides a variety of dining and beverage options, including Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels. With single-origin premium coffees, iced espresso beverages, Frappuccinos, and lunch items, passengers can enjoy familiar comforts while waiting for their flights.
Overall Reputation
The airport has a positive reputation among travellers, who commend the courteous and helpful staff, orderly immigration counters, and clear signage. Its vast size, with five runways covering 10,000 acres (40 km2), ensures that even on busy days, passengers don't feel crowded.
With its continuous improvements, expansion projects, and focus on passenger experience, George Bush Intercontinental Airport solidifies its position as a significant aviation hub in Houston, Texas.
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Frequently asked questions
George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH.
Houston Intercontinental Airport.
1997.
