George Bush Intercontinental Airport
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| George Bush Intercontinental Airport | |
|---|---|
| Name | George Bush Intercontinental Airport |
| IATA | IAH |
| ICAO | KIAH |
| FAA | IAH |
| Owner | City of Houston |
| Operator | Houston Airport System |
| City-served | Greater Houston |
| Location | Houston |
| Opened | June 1969 |
| Hub | United Airlines |
| Elevation-f | 97 |
| Elevation-m | 30 |
| Coordinates | 29, 59, 04, N... |
| Website | fly2houston.com/iah |
| R1-number | 15L/33R |
| R1-length-m | 3,658 |
| R1-surface | Concrete |
| R2-number | 15R/33L |
| R2-length-m | 3,048 |
| R2-surface | Concrete |
| R3-number | 9/27 |
| R3-length-m | 3,048 |
| R3-surface | Concrete |
| R4-number | 8L/26R |
| R4-length-m | 2,866 |
| R4-surface | Concrete |
| R5-number | 8R/26L |
| R5-length-m | 2,866 |
| R5-surface | Concrete |
| Stat-year | 2023 |
| Stat1-header | Total passengers |
| Stat1 | 46,229,215 |
| Stat2-header | Aircraft operations |
| Stat2 | 456,186 |
| Stat3-header | Economic impact (2018) |
| Stat3 | $36.4 billion |
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a major international aviation facility serving the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Operated by the Houston Airport System, it functions as a primary hub for United Airlines and a focus city for Spirit Airlines. The airport is named for George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, and is a key gateway for travel between the United States and destinations in Latin America.
History
The airport opened in June 1969 as Houston Intercontinental Airport, constructed to relieve overcrowding at the older William P. Hobby Airport. Its development was championed by Mayor of Houston Louie Welch and the Civil Aeronautics Board. In 1997, the facility was renamed by an act of the United States Congress to honor former President George H. W. Bush, a longtime resident of Texas. Significant expansions have included the addition of Terminal D in 1990 to accommodate growing international traffic and the opening of the Terminal A South complex in 2004.
Facilities
The airport encompasses over 10,000 acres and features five passenger terminals labeled Terminal A through Terminal E, with Terminal D dedicated primarily to international carriers. A fully automated people mover system, the Intercontinental Airport Transit System, connects all terminals and the Marriott hotel. Key amenities include the Minute Suites nap pods, a vast array of dining options from local establishments like Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, and significant art installations curated by the Houston Airport System's Public Art Program.
Airlines and destinations
As a major global hub, the airport is dominated by United Airlines, which operates its largest hub here with flights to over 70 domestic destinations like Los Angeles and Newark, and international cities including London, Tokyo, and Sydney. Other prominent carriers include Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and numerous international flag carriers such as Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines. It is a leading U.S. gateway to Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Ground transportation
Passenger access is provided by several major roadways, including the Hardy Toll Road and Interstate 69. Public transit is served by METRO bus routes connecting to downtown Houston and other key areas. Numerous private companies offer shared ride van services, taxicabs, and limousine transport. The airport features extensive parking facilities, including multi-level garages, economy lots, and valet services operated by The Parking Spot.
Accidents and incidents
The airport's most notable accident occurred in 1997 when Fine Air Flight 101, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8 cargo flight bound for the Dominican Republic, crashed shortly after takeoff due to improper cargo loading, resulting in fatalities. In 2016, a Southwest Airlines flight from Hobby skidded off a taxiway after landing during a thunderstorm, with no serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board has investigated several other incidents involving runway excursions and ground handling events at the facility.
Statistics
In 2023, the airport served over 46 million passengers, making it the 15th-busiest in the United States by passenger traffic. It handled approximately 456,000 aircraft operations and over 500,000 metric tons of air cargo. The airport is a critical economic engine for the State of Texas, supporting an estimated 180,000 jobs and generating an annual economic impact of $36.4 billion, as reported by the Texas Department of Transportation. Its top international destinations include Cancún, Mexico City, and San Salvador.
Category:Airports in Texas Category:Buildings and structures in Houston Category:United Airlines hubs