George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is one of the busiest and most important airports in the United States. Located about 23 miles north of downtown Houston, IAH serves as a major hub for domestic and international travel and plays a critical role in connecting Texas to the rest of the world. The airport is named after the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, a longtime Houston resident. IAH is the only airport in the world to use “Intercontinental” as an official and widely used part of it’s airport name.
IAH History and Background
The development of Houston’s major international airport began in the late 1950s when it became clear that William P. Hobby Airport could no longer handle the city’s growing air traffic. Construction of the new airport began in the mid-1960s on a large site north of Houston. When it opened in June 1969, the facility was known as Houston Intercontinental Airport. In 1997, it was renamed George Bush Intercontinental Airport in honor of the former president.
Over the years, IAH has grown into one of the largest and busiest airports in the country. Its strategic location makes it a key hub for travel between North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The airport has undergone several expansions to meet increasing demand, including terminal renovations, runway additions, and technology upgrades.
Airport Statistics and Quick Facts
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a global gateway with impressive traffic and infrastructure metrics. In 2023, IAH served over 45 million passengers, reflecting a strong recovery following the global pandemic. It consistently ranks among the top 20 busiest airports in the United States.
The airport spans more than 10,000 acres and features five runways, all capable of handling wide-body aircraft. IAH operates five passenger terminals, designated A through E, and offers more than 185 non-stop destinations across the U.S. and around the world.
IAH’s IATA code is “IAH,” derived from its original name, Intercontinental Airport of Houston. The airport is operated by the Houston Airport System and serves as a major hub for United Airlines.
Terminal Layout and Facilities
IAH’s terminal layout is designed to support a mix of domestic and international travel, with five distinct terminals connected by a comprehensive transportation system.
Terminal A
Terminal A is primarily used by domestic airlines other than United. It handles short- to medium-haul flights and features North and South concourses. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Spirit operate out of Terminal A.
The terminal offers a wide array of dining and shopping options, including fast food outlets, coffee shops, retail stores, and convenience services. It also includes charging stations, business centers, and family-friendly facilities.
Terminal B
Terminal B is used almost exclusively by United Airlines for regional flights, particularly those operated by United Express. It has undergone major renovations in recent years to improve passenger flow, seating, and gate access.
The terminal offers improved gate lounges, modern restrooms, and new concessions. A key feature is the United Club lounge, providing amenities for frequent flyers and business travelers.
Terminal C
Also dedicated to United Airlines, Terminal C handles the airline’s domestic mainline operations. It includes two concourses and is connected directly to the airport’s Terminal C North and South gates.
Terminal C is home to several sit-down restaurants, retail shops, and quick service options. United’s check-in counters and baggage claim areas are efficiently managed, providing a streamlined experience for high-volume domestic travel.
Terminal D
Terminal D, also known as the Mickey Leland International Terminal, is the airport’s primary international terminal. It accommodates international arrivals and departures for a wide variety of global airlines. Terminal D is under major redevelopment to expand and modernize its facilities.
This terminal serves flights to Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Its services include currency exchange counters, duty-free shops, international lounges, multilingual signage, and customs and immigration processing. When the new Terminal D is completed, it will be one of the most modern international terminals in the U.S.
Terminal E
Terminal E is used exclusively by United Airlines for its international operations. It connects directly to Terminal C and facilitates smooth transfers for connecting international and domestic flights. Terminal E is equipped with United’s international check-in, security screening, and international arrivals hall.
The terminal also features restaurants, lounges, shopping outlets, and upgraded boarding areas. Its location and layout allow for high-capacity boarding of wide-body aircraft flying long-haul routes.
IAH Passenger Amenities
Across its terminals, George Bush Intercontinental Airport provides a broad range of passenger services and amenities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and power outlets are located in most seating areas. The terminals include business centers, pet relief areas, nursing rooms, and children’s play zones.
IAH also hosts multiple airline lounges, including the United Club, Centurion Lounge (American Express), and airline-specific international lounges. Travelers can enjoy full-service dining, fast casual food options, and coffee from both local and national brands.
The airport emphasizes accessibility, with wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, visual paging, and other services available to accommodate travelers with special needs.
Airlines and Destinations
IAH is a true global hub with service to more than 185 destinations. It is one of the largest hubs for United Airlines, which offers extensive domestic and international connections from the airport. United’s presence at IAH makes it a key transit point for passengers traveling between the Americas and destinations in Europe and Asia.
Other major domestic carriers operating at IAH include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines (limited routes), JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
On the international side, IAH hosts several prestigious carriers such as Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Aeromexico, and Copa Airlines. Destinations include major cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai, Mexico City, Panama City, and Toronto, among many others.
IAH also handles a significant amount of cargo traffic and is a key node in global supply chains due to its proximity to the Port of Houston and large logistics infrastructure.
Ground Transportation
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is well-connected to downtown Houston and surrounding regions through a variety of ground transportation options.
Airport Shuttle and Rental Cars
IAH features a centralized Rental Car Center, accessible by a free shuttle bus that operates 24/7 from each terminal. Major car rental companies operate at the facility, including Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget.
In addition to rental cars, the airport supports a wide range of shuttle services, including shared ride vans, private car services, and hotel courtesy shuttles. Many hotels in the area offer free airport pickups for guests.
METRO Public Transit
Houston’s METRO public transit system offers direct bus service between the airport and downtown via the METRO Bus 102. While not as fast as private transport, this is a low-cost alternative for budget-conscious travelers.
Plans are in progress to improve public transportation links to the airport, including proposals for light rail service in the future.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxi stands are located outside each terminal, with regulated flat-rate fares to central Houston destinations. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available for pickup and drop-off, with designated zones at each terminal to streamline service.
The airport’s ground transportation center is organized to accommodate thousands of daily arrivals and departures efficiently, with clear signage and dedicated traffic lanes.
Parking Facilities
IAH offers multiple parking options, including short-term and long-term garages near each terminal, economy lots with shuttle access, valet parking, and reserved premium parking. The airport’s online parking system allows passengers to check availability and rates in advance or reserve spaces before arriving.
Future Development and Expansion
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is undergoing a massive transformation aimed at improving capacity, technology, and customer experience. One of the centerpiece projects is the Mickey Leland International Terminal expansion, which will integrate Terminal D and Terminal E into a single modernized facility. The updated terminal will feature larger gate areas, improved immigration processing, and expanded retail and dining spaces.
The Houston Airport System is also investing in upgrades to the airfield, including taxiway improvements, runway resurfacing, and advanced lighting systems. New automated baggage handling systems are being introduced to increase efficiency and reduce delays.
IAH is embracing technology with initiatives such as biometric boarding, touchless check-in, and digital wayfinding tools. Passengers can expect smoother processing through security, customs, and boarding, particularly as international travel rebounds.
Looking ahead, the airport plans to further position itself as a strategic global hub by attracting more long-haul carriers and developing new routes to Asia, Africa, and South America. Sustainability is also a growing focus, with environmental initiatives targeting reduced emissions, renewable energy use, and eco-friendly terminal design.
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