Roberta Aguirre
Houston, Texas is home to two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Bush Intercontinental, located 23 miles north of Houston, is the larger of the two, covering over 10,000 acres with five runways and terminals. It is the 12th busiest airport in the US for passenger traffic and the seventh-largest in the world by area. In 2023, it served over 46 million passengers, with 399,805 aircraft movements. Hobby Airport, on the other hand, is a smaller, city airport located just 11 miles from downtown Houston. It primarily serves domestic destinations and is a hub for Southwest Airlines. In this paragraph, we will explore and compare the size, passenger traffic, and other features of these two airports in Houston, Texas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the bigger airport | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) |
| Other names | Houston International Airport, Bush Intercontinental Airport |
| Location | 23 miles north of Houston |
| Area | 40.46 km² (15.6 square miles) or 17.19 square miles (44.5 square kilometers) or 4046 hectares (10,000 acres) |
| Number of terminals | 5 |
| Number of runways | 5 |
| Number of gates | 10 in each of the north and south concourses of Terminal A |
| Number of airlines | 30+ |
| Number of destinations | 180+ cities worldwide |
| Number of passengers | 43 million in 2015, 46 million in 2023 |
| Number of aircraft movements | 399,805 in 2023 |
| Ranking in the US | 3rd for non-stop domestic and international service, 12th busiest for total passenger traffic, 6th largest by area |
| Ranking in the world | 7th largest by area |
| Hotels | Marriott Hotel between Terminals B and C |
| Food and beverage outlets | More than 50 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Houston's largest airport
- William P. Hobby Airport is smaller and better for domestic flights
- David Wayne Hooks Airport is located in Northwest Houston
- George Bush Intercontinental has 5 terminals and an on-site hotel
- William P. Hobby Airport has over 15 food and beverage outlets
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Houston's largest airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a major hub for United Airlines, serving as their second-largest hub in the country after Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The airport offers flights to all continents except Antarctica and has a strong presence of international arrivals and departures. Terminal D, also known as the Mickey Leyland Terminal, serves as the international arrivals location and accommodates over 30 airlines.
The airport is easily accessible from the city, with an underground train system connecting all five terminals. Additionally, it provides a range of amenities for travellers, including Wi-Fi, retail stores, and over 50 food and beverage outlets. George Bush Intercontinental Airport also boasts one of the biggest public collections of art in the state and regularly features live music performances through its "Harmony in the Air" series.
Houston's other major airport is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), which is much smaller in comparison. Located just 11 miles from downtown Houston, Hobby Airport primarily serves domestic destinations and is a hub for Southwest Airlines. While it has seen significant growth in passenger numbers, reaching 14.5 million travellers in 2018, it is still surpassed by the scale and traffic of George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
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William P. Hobby Airport is smaller and better for domestic flights
Houston has two major airports, forming the fourth-largest airport system in the country. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the larger of the two, covering 40.46 square miles of land. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is smaller and primarily caters to domestic flights.
William P. Hobby Airport is located about seven miles south of downtown Houston. The airport has a single terminal with two concourses, one for domestic flights and the other for international travel. The domestic concourse has various retail shops and restaurants, while the international concourse opened more recently in 2015. Hobby Airport has been recognised as a 5-star airport for its facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping options, food and beverages, and staff service. The airport has efficient processing for security and immigration, short walking distances for departures, arrivals, and transfers, and free fast Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
Hobby Airport has seen significant increases in passenger numbers in recent years, with 14.5 million travellers passing through in 2018. The airport offers various transport options, including four bus lines, and several hotels offer courtesy vans to and from the airport.
Hobby Airport is currently undergoing expansion, with a $250 million project to add seven gates to the west concourse, six of which will be used exclusively by Southwest for domestic flights. This expansion reflects the airport's growing popularity and its important role in Houston's aviation network.
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David Wayne Hooks Airport is located in Northwest Houston
David Wayne Hooks Airport (IATA: DWH, ICAO: KDWH, FAA LID: DWH) is a public-use airport located in Northwest Houston. It is situated near the city of Tomball in unincorporated Harris County, Texas, about 23 miles (37 km) northwest of Houston's central business district and 10 miles northwest of George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The airport is privately owned by Northwest Airport Management, LP, and is one of the few privately-owned airports with a Federal Aviation Administration control tower.
The airport first came into being when Charles Hooks constructed a runway for his personal use. Over time, his hobby evolved into a business, and he expanded the facility by adding a runway and a main terminal building. The airport was initially opened for public use in the 1960s under the name Houston Northwest Airport. However, following the tragic death of Charles Hooks' son, David, in a plane crash, the airport was renamed the David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport in his honour.
David Wayne Hooks Airport is the busiest general aviation airport in Texas and one of the busiest in the entire United States. It is conveniently located just 5 minutes from The Woodlands via the Grand Parkway, providing easy access to Downtown Houston and The Galleria. The airport is also notable for its proximity to popular attractions such as the NASA Space Center and the Aquarium.
The airport is equipped with a Federal Aviation Administration control tower, and its airspace is designated as Class D, underlying Houston's Class B airspace. It features closely spaced parallel runways and a seaplane landing area. Pilots utilising the airport should be aware of specific incursion risks and adhere to the recommended procedures outlined in pre-flight materials and notices.
David Wayne Hooks Airport has played host to notable aircraft, such as the B-17G Flying Fortress 'Texas Raiders', which was based at the airport during the 2010 air show season and subsequent years. The airport is also recognised for its reliable flight support and excellent customer service, as attested by its association with respected FBO service providers like Gill Aviation.
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George Bush Intercontinental has 5 terminals and an on-site hotel
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH) is the main airport serving Houston, Texas. It is located 23 miles outside downtown Houston and is named after former US President George H. W. Bush. Covering over 10,000 acres, the airport has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) that are all connected by the Skyway automated people mover and subway train services. The airport served over 48 million passengers in 2024, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Terminal A is separate from the other terminals, with no access via walkways, while Terminals B to E are connected through secure areas. Terminals A, B, and C primarily handle domestic flights, with some international departures from Terminal A. Terminals D and E manage both domestic and international flights, with Terminal D serving as the arrival point for all international flights except for United flights, which use Terminal E. Terminal A is used by non-United domestic carriers, while Terminal B caters to United Express flights. Terminal C is designated for United domestic flights, and Terminal E is for United international flights and international arrivals.
George Bush Intercontinental offers a range of amenities, including dining, shopping, and lounges. There are 13 lounges in total, such as the Centurion Lounge, United Club, and United Airlines Polaris Lounge. The airport also features various art installations and live music performances as part of its "Harmony in the Air" series.
The airport has an on-site Marriott Hotel located between Terminals B and C, accessible via the Skyway and subway systems. The hotel is situated in the central area of the airport, outside the secure zone. Several other hotels are located within a short distance from the airport, offering convenient accommodation options for travellers.
George Bush Intercontinental provides efficient ground transportation options, including rental cars, ride-sharing services, shuttles, and the Houston METRO bus, ensuring easy access to downtown Houston and surrounding areas. The airport also offers parking facilities at Terminals A, B, and C, with valet parking available at designated locations.
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William P. Hobby Airport has over 15 food and beverage outlets
Houston has two major airports, forming the fourth-largest airport system in the country. The two airports are George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
William P. Hobby Airport is Houston's oldest commercial airport, serving domestic destinations. It has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers in recent years, hitting 14.5 million travellers in 2018. The airport offers various transport options and is located about 7 miles south of Downtown Houston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, on the other hand, is Houston's main airport, serving over 46 million passengers in 2023. It is located about 23 miles outside downtown Houston and offers both domestic and international flights. The airport has five terminals, all connected by an automated people mover and underground train. While it offers more than 50 food and beverage outlets, its vast size means that William P. Hobby Airport may be a more low-key option for travellers looking for a quieter experience.
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Frequently asked questions
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the larger of Houston's two airports. It is located 23 miles north of the city of Houston and is the second-largest hub for United Airlines in the country.
Houston Airport System is the fourth-largest airport system in the US. It serves over 180 cities worldwide.
King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia is the largest airport in the world by area.
