
Houston, Texas, is the fourth-largest city in the US and has many airports. The two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport, form the fourth-largest airport system in the country. IAH covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and has 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.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | George Bush Intercontinental Airport |
| IATA | IAH |
| ICAO | KIAH |
| FAA LID | IAH |
| Year of opening | 1969 |
| Location | 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59 |
| Size | 10,000 acres (40 km2) |
| Number of runways | 5 |
| Airlines | United Airlines, Continental Airlines, Texas International Airlines, British Airways, Gate BA, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Southwest Airlines |
| Destinations | Lagos, Nigeria; London Heathrow; Sydney; Dubai; Lomé, Togo; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Terminals | Terminal A, Terminal B, Lewis W. Cutrer Terminal C, Mickey Leland International Arrivals Building (Terminal D), Terminal E |
| Amenities | Starbucks, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Tex-Mex restaurants, bars, shops, parking spots, reserved spots, EV charging, accessible spaces |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the biggest airport in Houston
Initially named 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 is commonly referred to as Houston International Airport or George Bush International Airport.
As one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines, George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a wide range of domestic and international destinations. It is the second busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic and provides scheduled flights to five continents. The airport has five terminals, including Terminal A, B, C, D, and E, with ongoing enhancements to improve the passenger experience.
The airport has a variety of dining options, including Starbucks, which offers premium coffees, iced espresso beverages, and Frappuccinos, along with lunch items such as sandwiches and pastries. Other amenities include bars, restaurants, shops, and convenient parking options.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is managed and operated by the Houston Airports System (HAS), which also oversees Hobby Airport and HouSpaceport. Houston, being the fourth-largest city in the United States, is well-served by its airport system, which includes two major airports that collectively form the country's fourth-largest airport system.
Vibrant Airport Scenes: Capturing the Chaos and Excitement
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is located 23 miles north of Downtown Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) is the biggest airport in Houston, Texas, United States. The airport is located 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59. It has direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines. It also previously served as a hub for Continental Airlines and Texas International Airlines. The airport covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and has five runways. It offers scheduled flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations covering five continents.
Houston Airports, the City of Houston's Department of Aviation, manages and operates IAH, along with Hobby Airport and HouSpaceport. IAH provides a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience, including various dining options, shopping, and convenient parking. The airport also offers different ground transportation options, such as rideshare apps, shuttles, and rental cars.
IAH has undergone significant upgrades and enhancements to its terminals, including Terminal E and Terminal B. It also features a NASA exhibit showcasing Houston's status as Space City. The airport is committed to inclusive travel and has introduced a sensory room. Additionally, IAH has achieved notable milestones, including record-breaking passenger numbers and hosting award-winning experiences.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport plays a crucial role in global air travel and continues to enhance its facilities and services to provide a world-class passenger experience. Its location, 23 miles north of Downtown Houston, makes it easily accessible and convenient for travellers visiting the city.
Miles to Tampa Airport: How Far is the Journey?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is the 15th-busiest airport in the US
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) is the biggest airport in Houston, Texas, United States. Initially opened in 1969 as 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. As of 2025, it is the 15th-busiest airport in the US for international passenger traffic.
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and has many airports. Its airport system is also the fourth-largest in the country. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is one of Houston's two major airports, along with William P. Hobby Airport, which is located about seven miles south of Downtown Houston. IAH covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and has five runways. It is located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a major hub for United Airlines and previously served as a hub for Continental Airlines and Texas International Airlines. The airport offers scheduled flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations covering five continents. In 2017, it became the first airport in North America to offer nonstop flights to every inhabited continent. However, it temporarily lost this status when Atlas Air ended its nonstop flight to Luanda. The airport regained its status in December 2019 when Ethiopian Airlines launched service to Lomé in Togo and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
IAH provides a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience, including dining options such as Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels, as well as various bars and restaurants. The airport also offers convenient parking options, including reserved spots, EV charging, and accessible spaces. For ground transportation, passengers can choose from rideshare apps, shuttles, rental cars, or the public bus route 102, which serves IAH and downtown locations.
In addition to its focus on customer experience, George Bush Intercontinental Airport prioritises safety and emergency preparedness. The airport conducts extensive emergency exercises mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure readiness in the event of a crisis. These drills involve various stakeholders, including first responders and student volunteers, and play a crucial role in sharpening their response and strengthening coordination.
Super Shuttle Service: Tampa Airport Accessibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.99
$6.99

It has five runways
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) is the biggest airport in Houston, Texas, United States. The airport covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and has five runways. The airport is located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston and is ranked as the second busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic.
The airport initially opened in 1969 under the name Houston Intercontinental Airport. 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 commonly referred to as Houston International Airport or George Bush International Airport.
Houston Intercontinental Airport 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 offers scheduled flights to a wide range of domestic and international destinations across five continents.
IAH provides a variety of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. These include dining options such as Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels, as well as shopping and parking facilities. The airport also offers convenient ground transportation options, including rideshare apps, shuttles, and rental cars.
The airport has undergone significant upgrades and enhancements over the years, including transformations at Terminal E and Terminal B. IAH is known for its record-breaking passenger numbers and its commitment to inclusive travel, as evidenced by initiatives such as a sensory room. Additionally, Houston Airports, the city's Department of Aviation, manages and operates IAH, Hobby Airport, and HouSpaceport, collectively forming the 4th largest airport system in the country.
Exploring the Speed of Airport Extreme Routers
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It offers convenient parking, including reserved spots and EV charging
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) is the biggest airport in Houston, Texas, United States. It is located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59. The airport offers convenient parking, including reserved spots and EV charging.
IAH covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and has 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. The airport has five terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, Lewis W. Cutrer Terminal C, Mickey Leland International Arrivals Building (Terminal D), and Terminal E.
Houston Airports' official mobile app provides wayfinding assistance, helping visitors navigate to their gates or any other location within the airport. The airport offers a variety of transportation options, including rideshare apps, shuttles, rental cars, and public bus services.
IAH provides a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience, including dining options such as Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels, and retail stores. The airport also features art installations and exhibits, including a NASA exhibit showcasing Houston's status as Space City.
The airport is managed and operated by Houston Airports (HAS), which also oversees Hobby Airport and HouSpaceport. Houston Airports is the City of Houston's Department of Aviation.
Lockers at BWI Airport: Available and Accessible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) is the biggest airport in Houston, Texas, United States.
The airport has five terminals: Terminals A, B, C, D, and E.
The airport offers a variety of dining options, including Einstein Bros. Bagels, Tex-Mex cuisine, and Starbucks.
Yes, the airport features art installations such as "The Art of Artemis," which showcases the work of Houston artist David Maldonado, combining street art with space exploration imagery.
Visitors to the airport have various transportation options, including courtesy vans, public buses, shuttles, ride-share apps, taxis, rental cars, and an official Houston Airports mobile app to navigate the airport.









































