Lois Larson
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH) is the main international airport in Houston, Texas, United States, serving the Greater Houston metropolitan area. The airport has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) and 121 total gates. It offers various amenities, such as dining, shopping, and lounges, and efficient ground transportation options, including rental cars, ride-sharing, shuttles, and buses. However, ongoing construction projects at the airport have caused traffic disruptions, leading to potential delays for passengers. Southwest Airlines' decision to cease operations at the airport in August 2024 further impacts travel options. These factors may create challenges for passengers wishing to leave or access the airport smoothly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | George Bush Intercontinental Airport |
| Airport Code | IAH |
| Location | Houston, Texas, United States |
| Distance from Downtown Houston | Approximately 23 miles (37 km) |
| Number of Terminals | 5 (A, B, C, D, E) |
| Number of Gates | 121 |
| Airlines | United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Southwest Airlines (until August 2024), etc. |
| Amenities | Dining, shopping, lounges, rental cars, ride-shares, shuttles, Houston METRO bus |
| Construction | Demolition of Terminal D and E parking structures causing lane closures and traffic jams |
| Recommended Arrival Time | 2-3 hours before flight due to construction |
| Nearby Attractions | Lake Houston, Mercer Arboretum, downtown Houston |
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What You'll Learn
- Construction work at the airport is causing lane closures and traffic jams
- Southwest Airlines will no longer fly to Bush Airport from August 2024
- The airport is 23 miles from downtown Houston, with transport options available
- Terminal A is separate from the other terminals with no walkway access
- Terminal B's lobby will be closed from January 2025 to late 2026
Construction work at the airport is causing lane closures and traffic jams
Construction work at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport is causing lane closures and traffic jams. The airport is in the middle of a major transformation project, which involves a lot of construction work. Crews are currently demolishing the Terminal D and E parking structures to create an international central terminal. As a result, passengers are encountering lane closures and traffic jams on the roads leading to Terminals C, D, and E.
Due to the construction, passengers are advised to leave for the airport at least an hour earlier than they usually would. They should also pay attention to the signage directing them around the construction and be prepared for possible traffic congestion. At peak times, officers may be on hand to direct traffic.
The construction work is taking place as passenger numbers return to pre-pandemic norms. The airport's five terminals serve both domestic and international flights, with various amenities such as dining, shopping, and lounges. 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 is for non-United international flights, and Terminal E serves United international flights and international arrivals.
In addition to the construction work, other events may also impact travel to and from the airport. For example, in 2024, Southwest Airlines announced it would cease operations at the airport in August, citing challenges related to its all-Boeing fleet and Boeing's safety issues and slowed production.
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Southwest Airlines will no longer fly to Bush Airport from August 2024
Southwest Airlines has announced that it will cease operations at Houston's Bush Airport from 4 August 2024. The airline, which is based in Dallas, has cited financial losses and issues with aircraft manufacturer Boeing as the reasons for this decision.
Southwest Airlines reported a loss of $231 million in the first quarter of 2024, and it is taking steps to improve its financial performance. The airline is vulnerable to issues at Boeing as it operates an entirely Boeing-fleet. Boeing has been facing safety concerns and slower production, which has impacted the delivery of aircraft to Southwest. The airline now expects to receive only 20 new 737 Max 8 jets from Boeing in 2024, a significant reduction from the 46 jets initially planned.
In addition to Bush Airport, Southwest Airlines will also stop flying to three other airports: Cozumel International Airport in Mexico, Bellingham International Airport in Washington, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York. The airline will also reduce capacity at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The decision to leave Bush Airport is not the first time Southwest has pulled out of this airport. The airline previously operated at Bush until 2005 and then returned in 2021 as part of its expansion plans. Despite leaving Bush Airport, Southwest will continue to serve Houston through William P. Hobby Airport, where it accounted for about 90% of flights in 2023.
Passengers flying from Bush Airport should be aware of ongoing construction work as part of a major transformation project. This includes the demolition of Terminal D and E parking structures, which may cause lane closures and traffic jams on roads leading to Terminals C, D, and E. Airport officials recommend passengers leave earlier to account for potential delays caused by the construction.
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The airport is 23 miles from downtown Houston, with transport options available
Located 23 miles from downtown Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a hub for domestic and international flights. The airport is easily accessible from downtown Houston, and there are several transport options available to travellers.
One option is to take the METRO Bus 102, which serves the airport and its surrounding areas, continuing to the METRO station downtown. The bus fare is $1.25, and the journey time to downtown is between 50 and 90 minutes. Riders can store their luggage in the bus's baggage compartment, and pick-up and drop-off is at the METRO Bus Stop on the Baggage Claim Level, on the south side of Terminal C.
For those seeking a more luxurious option, SuperShuttle Houston offers a private black car, SUV, or van service. This service provides door-to-door transportation, ensuring travellers don't have to walk long distances. SuperShuttle Express drivers are trained, experienced, and insured, prioritising safety and security.
Additionally, travellers can utilise rideshare services, taxis, or public transportation to get to and from the airport. For those who prefer a private transfer, companies like Jayride offer competitive rates on private cars, shared shuttles, and luxury vehicles. By pre-booking, travellers can save time and avoid last-minute hassles, ensuring peace of mind during their journey.
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Terminal A is separate from the other terminals with no walkway access
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IATA: IAH) in Houston has five terminals—A, B, C, D, and E—serving domestic and international flights. Terminal A is physically separate from the other terminals, with no access via walkways. Terminals B, C, D, and E are all connected by walkways inside the secure area.
To access Terminal A from the other terminals, passengers can take the escalator to level 3 to ride the Skyway—an automated people mover system that provides airside connections between all five terminals. If exiting the secure area, passengers can ride the subway on level LL. Access to the airport is through roadway systems on the east or south ends, looping all terminals and parking facilities.
Terminal A has two departure concourses at the north and south ends, serving a total of 30 gates. The north concourse has a United Club, while the south concourse has an Admirals Club. There are security checkpoints at the north and south ends of the terminal leading into the departure concourses.
Due to ongoing construction at the airport, passengers are advised to leave earlier for their flights and pay attention to signage and traffic directions. Crews are currently demolishing the Terminal D and E parking structures, causing lane closures and potential traffic jams on the roads leading to Terminals C, D, and E.
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Terminal B's lobby will be closed from January 2025 to late 2026
Terminal B's lobby at Houston's Bush Airport will be closed from January 21, 2025, to late 2026. The closure is part of a $2.5 billion renovation project, which will see the terminal undergo extensive improvements to enhance the traveller experience.
During this period, passengers who usually check in and go through security at Terminal B will be redirected to Terminal C. The Terminal B gates B3-B31 will remain operational, so travellers who are departing from these gates will need to use the Skyway train to get to their departure gate after checking in at Terminal C. Signage on the way to the airport will remind passengers of the lobby closure, and "Terminal B Transformation Ambassadors" will be on hand to assist with directions and gate information.
The renovations will include improvements to the terminal's baggage claim, TSA security, and check-in sections to better accommodate the increasing passenger volume. The project will also see the addition of 22 new gates, a wider curb frontage, an enlarged baggage processing system, and the largest United Club lounge in the world. The goal of these updates is to expand Terminal B's capacity while also modernizing its amenities.
The Houston Airport System has stated that the Terminal B gates will remain open while the lobby is closed. However, passengers may experience potential disruptions due to weather or construction, such as icy roads and bridges, airport delays, and the temporary shutdown of the Skyway train. Therefore, travellers are advised to allow extra time to get to their gates and follow the directions provided by the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
You can leave Bush Airport, but it is currently undergoing a major transformation project, which involves a lot of construction. This means you may encounter lane closures and traffic jams on the roads that lead to Terminals C, D, and E.
Airport officials recommend leaving an hour earlier for your drive to the airport. Pay attention to the signage directing you around the construction, and you may also see officers directing traffic at peak times.
Bush Airport offers efficient ground transportation options, including rental cars, ride-shares, shuttles, and the Houston METRO bus, providing easy access to downtown Houston and surrounding areas.
