Jazmin Li
George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, is a large airport with five runways and five terminals, serving millions of travellers annually. The airport is currently undergoing a $1.3 billion capital improvement program, which includes the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal. The airport briefly closed on 22 January 2025 due to snow and ice, but reopened the following day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reopening Date | 22 January 2025 |
| Reason for Closure | Snow, sleet, and ice |
| Reopening Time | 9 a.m. |
| Arrival Flights | 10 a.m. |
| Departure Flights | 11 a.m. |
| New Terminal E Ticketing Lobby | Opened in December 2024 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
George Bush Intercontinental Airport's reopening after snow and ice
George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, is a large airport with five runways and five terminals, serving millions of travellers annually. It is the second busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic as of 2025.
On Tuesday, the airport was forced to close due to snow and ice, with over 100 people stranded at the airport overnight. Crews worked through the day to clear runways and prepare the airfield for reopening. The airport reopened on Wednesday, January 22, at 9 am, with arrival and departure flights beginning at 10 am and 11 am, respectively.
The airport offers scheduled flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations, covering 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. Several carriers provide scheduled bus and shuttle services to and from the airport, including Super Shuttle, which offers shared van services to surrounding communities.
The airport is currently undergoing a $1.3 billion capital improvement program called the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). The flagship project 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 future expansion plans to accommodate growing passenger numbers.
Airport Runways: What's the Standard Thickness and Why?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport's $1.3 billion capital improvement program
The George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, is undergoing a $1.3 billion capital improvement program called the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP). The airport, which is one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines, serves millions of travellers annually, offering domestic and international flights on over 25 airlines and covering five continents. The improvement program is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025.
The flagship project of the ITRP is the construction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT), which will consolidate the existing Terminal D and Terminal E into a centralised terminal. The new terminal will feature a shared ticketing, departure, and arrival hall, and Terminal D will undergo extensive refurbishment, including the construction of a new concourse, Pier D West. The project will also see the addition of Central D and East D piers in the future to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Once completed, the full project will be capable of handling 33 million international passengers annually.
The improvement program also includes plans to enhance the airport's transportation connections. The METRO bus service provides convenient travel options to and from the airport, with the 102 Bush IAH Express connecting the airport to downtown Houston in approximately one hour. Additionally, the Route 500 IAH Downtown Direct offers daily nonstop service between the airport and downtown Houston. The METRO system offers accessible and efficient transportation, with ADA-accessible buses, free Wi-Fi, and video surveillance for added security.
The George Bush Intercontinental Airport is easily accessible from downtown Houston via Interstate 69/U.S. Route 59 (Eastex Freeway) and Will Clayton Parkway. The airport covers 10,000 acres of land and features five terminals and five runways, providing efficient operations for the high volume of passenger traffic it handles. The improvement program aims to further enhance the airport's capacity and improve the overall experience for travellers passing through the airport.
The Making of Airport 77: A Classic Thriller
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023 [2 CD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eEKUYqkOL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Transport options to and from the airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located about 20 miles north of downtown Houston, is accessible via various transport options. The airport is situated between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59, with direct access to the Hardy Toll Road expressway.
By Bus:
The METRO bus system provides convenient connections to and from the airport. The 102 Bush IAH Express travels between the airport and downtown Houston along I-45 and Beltway 8. Transfers to this route are available at various locations in downtown Houston, including the Downtown Transit Center and Greenspoint Transit Center. The trip typically takes around 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the transfer point.
Additionally, the Route 500 IAH Downtown Direct offers daily nonstop service between downtown Houston and the airport, serving Terminal C directly.
For travellers wishing to connect to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), the METRO Bus 102 can be taken downtown, with a transfer to the METRO Bus 40 (eastbound/southbound) to reach HOU.
Other bus services, such as the Taiwanese airline EVA Air, provide shuttle services to specific locations, including Richardson in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and destinations like NRG Park, Uptown, and the city of College Station.
By Rail:
The METRORail system offers three light rail lines in and around downtown Houston. The Red Line, in particular, travels through notable areas such as Main Street, the Museum District, and the Texas Medical Center.
By Shuttle:
Prime Time Shuttle offers transportation services to and from the airport, providing various vehicle options, including shared rides, Sedan and SUV services, and vans capable of accommodating large groups.
By Car:
For those travelling by car, the airport can be accessed by taking Interstate 69/U.S. Route 59 (Eastex Freeway) to Beltway 8 or Will Clayton Parkway.
Manila Airport's Vast Miles: How Big Is It?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport's location and its busiest routes
The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, Texas, between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/U.S. Highway 59. The airport covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land and has five runways. 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 offers scheduled flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations covering five continents. As of 2025, it is the second busiest airport in Texas for international passenger traffic, and in 2022, it was the 15th busiest airport in the United States for total passenger traffic.
The five terminals at the airport serve millions of travellers annually, with various airlines offering domestic and international flights. Terminal A is primarily used by non-United domestic carriers and has 20 gates. Terminal B is for United Express flights and has 30 gates. Terminal C caters to United domestic flights with 29 gates. Terminal D supports non-United international flights with 18 gates, and it has gates for super jumbo jets like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8. Terminal E is for United international flights and international arrivals, with 24 gates.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, known as METRO, provides bus services to the airport, including the 102 Bush IAH Express and the Route 500 IAH Downtown Direct. These routes connect the airport with downtown Houston, and transfers are available at locations like the Downtown Transit Center and Greenspoint Transit Center. Additionally, METRO offers discounted fares for students, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Extending Free Airport Wi-Fi: Tips to Stretch Your Connection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport's history and previous closures
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, is one of the largest passenger hubs for United Airlines. The airport initially opened in 1969 as Houston Intercontinental Airport. 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 and a Houston resident. The name change took effect on May 2, 1997.
The airport has five terminals and 121 total gates, serving millions of travellers annually with domestic and international flights on over 25 airlines. It is accessible by the METRO bus routes 500 IAH Downtown Direct and 102 Bush IAH Express, as well as by interstate highways and expressways.
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). The project is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025.
On January 22, 2025, the airport was temporarily closed due to snow and ice, stranding more than 100 people. The airport reopened the next day after crews worked to clear the runways and prepare the airfield.
Managing Sharp Objects: Airport Eateries' Knife Safety Protocols
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The airport closed late Monday, January 20, 2025, at midnight in anticipation of an arctic blast.
The airport reopened on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 9 a.m.
The airport was closed due to snow and sleet in Houston, with the city receiving three to five inches of snow.
Crews worked to clear runways and prepare the airfield. Over 100 people were stranded at the airport overnight.
You can check the status of your flight by visiting your airline's website or using FlightAware's website.
