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George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) is an international airport in Houston, Texas, United States. Initially named Houston Intercontinental Airport, it first opened in 1969 and was renamed in 1997 after George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States and a resident of Houston. The airport has five terminals and 121 total gates, serving millions of travellers annually with domestic and international flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Opening | 1969 |
| Year of Rename | 1997 |
| Renamed After | George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States |
| Location | Houston, Texas, US |
| Distance from Downtown Houston | 20-23 miles |
| Number of Terminals | 5 |
| Number of Gates | 121 |
| Area | Over 10,000 acres |
| Number of Passengers in 2001 | 35 million |
| Number of Passengers in 2024 | Over 48 million |
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What You'll Learn
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport opened in 1969 as Houston Intercontinental Airport
- The airport was renamed in 1997 after George H. W. Bush, the 41st US president
- It is located in Houston, Texas, about 20-23 miles north of Downtown Houston
- The airport has five terminals, A, B, C, D, and E, with 121 total gates
- It is the fourth-largest multi-airport system in the US and the ninth busiest commercial airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport opened in 1969 as Houston Intercontinental Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, initially named Houston Intercontinental Airport, opened in 1969. It is located in Houston, Texas, and serves the Greater Houston metropolitan area. The airport is situated about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway.
The airport has undergone several name changes and expansions over the years. 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 became known as George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Houston, commonly referred to as Houston International Airport or George Bush International Airport.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a significant hub for air travel in Houston, offering both domestic and international flights to a large number of destinations across five continents. It is Houston's largest airport and the fourth-largest multi-airport system in the United States. The airport accommodates millions of travellers annually and is the second busiest in Texas for international passenger traffic.
The airport consists of five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) that are connected by the Skyway automated people mover system and subway train services. Terminals A, B, and C primarily operate domestic flights, while Terminals D and E handle both domestic and international flights. Terminal D has gates capable of accommodating superjumbo jets such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
Over the years, the airport has undergone various expansion and improvement projects to meet the increasing demand for aviation in Texas. Recent projects include the ongoing $2.55 billion redevelopment of Terminal B, which is one of the oldest terminals, and the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal as part of the $1.3 billion IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program. These projects aim to enhance the passenger experience and increase the airport's capacity to handle more flights and passengers.
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The airport was renamed in 1997 after George H. W. Bush, the 41st US president
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) is an international airport in Houston, Texas, United States. It was initially named Houston Intercontinental Airport when it opened in 1969. However, in April 1997, the Houston City Council unanimously voted to rename the airport after George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States. The name change took effect on May 2, 1997.
The airport is located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59. It offers scheduled flights to numerous domestic and international destinations across five continents. As of 2025, it is the second busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) and 121 total gates. Terminals A, B, and C primarily operate domestic flights, while Terminals D and E handle both domestic and international flights. Terminal D has gates capable of accommodating superjumbo jets such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
The airport has undergone various expansion and improvement projects over the years. For example, in 2020, the airport began a $1.3 billion capital improvement program called the 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.
In addition to expansion projects, the airport has also prioritised sustainability. Houston Airports, which manages and operates the airport, has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Through various initiatives, the airport reduced emissions by 16% between 2019 and 2022.
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It is located in Houston, Texas, about 20-23 miles north of Downtown Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH, ICAO: KIAH, FAA LID: IAH) is located in Houston, Texas, about 20-23 miles north of Downtown Houston. The airport is situated between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59, with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway.
Houston Airports, the City of Houston's Department of Aviation, manages and operates IAH, along with Hobby Airport and HouSpaceport. Houston Airports is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. As a participant in the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, Houston Airports achieved Level 2 accreditation, confirming significant reductions in emissions. Between 2019 and 2022, George Bush Intercontinental Airport reduced emissions by 16%, with broader modernisation efforts including upgrades to energy systems, electric vehicle integration, and more efficient terminal practices.
Houston Airports also offers a range of transportation options to and from the airport, including the METRO bus route 102 Bush IAH Express, which travels between IAH and downtown Houston. Additionally, there are various bus routes and connecting METRORail routes that provide easy access to the airport.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a vital part of Houston's air facilities, offering non-stop service to 152 cities worldwide. The airport served 35 million passengers in 2001, with 4.5 million international passengers in 1998, making it the eighth-largest international passenger gateway in the US and the world. The airport has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) and 121 total gates, offering domestic and international flights on more than 25 airlines.
The airport has undergone various expansion and improvement projects over the years, including the recent $2.55 billion redevelopment of Terminal B, one of the oldest terminals. The B North concourses are expected to be fully finished and operational by fall 2026, offering upgraded amenities and improved passenger experiences.
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The airport has five terminals, A, B, C, D, and E, with 121 total gates
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (GBIA) in Houston, Texas, US, is a large airport with five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) and 121 total gates. The airport, which is located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, serves the Greater Houston metropolitan area. It offers both domestic and international flights to five continents. Terminals A, B, and C primarily operate domestic flights, but Spirit Airlines has international departures from Terminal A. Terminals D and E operate domestic and international flights, with Terminal D supporting super-jumbo jets like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
Each terminal at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport has a different purpose and facilities. Terminal A, which is separate from the other terminals with no access via walkways, has 20 gates. It is primarily used by non-United domestic carriers and has two departure concourses at the north and south ends. The north concourse serves 18 gates, while the south concourse serves 11 gates. Terminal B, with 30 gates, is used for United Express flights. The B North concourses are expected to be fully finished and operational by fall 2026, offering an improved gate experience with more space and upgraded amenities. Terminal C, used for United domestic flights, has 29 gates. Terminal D, with 18 gates, is used for non-United international flights, while Terminal E, with 24 gates, is used for United international flights and international arrivals.
The George Bush Intercontinental Airport provides efficient ground transportation options, including rental cars, ride-sharing services, shuttles, and the Houston METRO bus, making it convenient for travellers to get to and from downtown Houston and other surrounding areas. The airport also has a railway system connecting the terminals. Additionally, the Skyway automated people mover system provides airside connections between all five terminals, and the Subway provides landside connections.
The airport has undergone various expansion and improvement projects over the years. For example, in 2020, the airport began a $1.3 billion capital improvement program called the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), which includes the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT). This project will consolidate Terminals D and E into one centralised terminal. The ITRP is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025. United Airlines is also investing $2.55 billion in the redevelopment of Terminal B to enhance the passenger experience.
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It is the fourth-largest multi-airport system in the US and the ninth busiest commercial airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (GBIA) is a central part of the air facilities of Houston, Texas, US. The Houston Airport System consists of three facilities: George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Field. Together, they form the fourth-largest multi-airport system in the US.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which opened in 1969, is Houston's largest airport. It is located about 20 to 23 miles north of Downtown Houston and has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) that serve millions of travellers annually. The airport offers domestic and international flights to 152 cities worldwide, with scheduled flights to a large number of destinations covering five continents. In 2001, the airport served 35 million passengers, a number that increased to 36 million in 2005. In 2024, the airport served over 48 million passengers.
The airport is currently undergoing a $2.8 billion multi-year expansion to meet increasing aviation demands in Texas. This includes the ongoing $2.55 billion redevelopment of Terminal B, one of the oldest terminals at the airport. The B North concourses are expected to be fully finished and operational by fall 2026, offering passengers a refreshed gate experience with more space, upgraded amenities, and new concessions.
In addition to the Terminal B redevelopment, the airport has also begun a $1.3 billion capital improvement program called the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). The flagship project of this program is the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT), which will consolidate Terminals D and E into one centralised terminal. The ITRP is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025. With these expansions and improvements, the airport is well on its way to becoming one of the busiest commercial airports in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport was built in 1969 and was initially named Houston Intercontinental Airport.
The IATA code for the airport is IAH.
The airport was renamed in April 1997, after George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States.
The airport has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) that are all connected by the Skyway and subway train services.
The airport served 35 million passengers in 2001, 36 million in 2005, and over 48 million in 2024.
