George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (IAH)
Houston, US 🇺🇸 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
KIAH
IATA
IAH
Elevation
97 ft
Region
US-TX
Local Time
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GPS Code: KIAH
Local Code: IAH
Location: 29.9844° N, -95.3414° E
Continent: North America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: QHO
About George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport
Updated: Jan 1, 2026George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the second largest airport in Texas, serves as a primary international gateway for the southern United States and the Greater Houston metropolitan area. It is a major hub for United Airlines, which operates a significant number of its domestic and international flights from the facility.
Opened in June 1969 as Houston Intercontinental Airport, it was renamed in 1997 to honor the 41st U.S. President, George H. W. Bush. The airport is located approximately 23 miles north of downtown Houston and is accessible by car via I-69, the Hardy Toll Road, and the Sam Houston Tollway. Travelers typically reach the airport using rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, or the METRO public bus system.
Operating a vast network of routes, IAH handles flights to destinations across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport serves tens of millions of passengers annually. While United Airlines is the dominant carrier, other major airlines with a significant presence include Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, alongside a wide array of international carriers.
The airport consists of five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E). Terminals A, B, and C primarily handle domestic and Canadian flights, with B and C being United's main domestic hubs. Terminals D and E serve as the international gateways for most airlines. All terminals are connected post-security by an elevated people mover, the Skyway, which facilitates efficient connections. A pre-security underground train, the Subway, connects Terminals A, B, C, and the on-site hotel. Facilities include a broad selection of restaurants, retail shops, duty-free stores, airline lounges, and free Wi-Fi.
For a smooth journey, travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international departure, particularly during peak travel times. After clearing customs in Terminals D or E, passengers with connecting flights must re-check their baggage and proceed through security. Ground transportation options, including rental car services and ride-share pickup zones, are clearly signed and located outside each terminal's baggage claim area.
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Recent traveler sentiment for George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (IAH) is mixed, with some positive improvements noted amidst persistent complaints. While the airport has seen record passenger numbers and received a 4-star Skytrax rating for eight consecutive years, satisfaction surveys indicate IAH generally ranks below the average for mega airports in North America. Many travelers appreciate recent upgrades, but significant frustrations remain, particularly concerning staff and operational efficiency.
What Travelers Love
- Improved Restroom Facilities: Recent $30 million restroom renovations have significantly boosted passenger satisfaction, featuring brighter lighting, modern fixtures, enhanced accessibility, and expanded family restrooms.
- Enhanced Dining Options: IAH has climbed to the 12th spot in a 2025 ranking for best airport food and beverage, with travelers enjoying local favorites like Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Chick-fil-A, and Whataburger.
- Effective Traffic Management (Recent Improvements): Strategic changes in December 2024, including new curb zones and active loading, reportedly reduced heavy traffic at Bush Airport by 80% and severe traffic by 55%, even during peak travel.
- Fast Wi-Fi and Accessibility Features: Travelers appreciate the availability of fast, free airport WiFi and recent accessibility upgrades, such as color-coded terminal navigation and mobile-app-based wayfinding tools.
Common Complaints
- Staff Attitude and Customer Service: Numerous reviews highlight issues with airport staff, describing them as rude, unhelpful, slow, or unprofessional, particularly at security and check-in.
- Security and Immigration Wait Times: Passengers frequently report long lines and an excessive screening process for both security and customs/immigration, often causing stress and missed connections, even for those with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Average security wait times can be around 26 minutes, with immigration at 24 minutes, but can extend to over 90 minutes during peak periods.
- Terminal Navigation and Construction Disruptions: The airport's massive size and vast distances between domestic and international terminals lead to extensive walking and the need to re-enter security after international arrivals. Ongoing construction, especially around Terminal E, is frequently cited as a major source of confusion and inconvenience.
- Inadequate Inter-terminal Transportation: The "tiny trains" connecting terminals are often deemed insufficient, contributing to transfer difficulties and long transit times.
- Parking and Shuttle Service: While various parking options are available, some off-site parking shuttles have been described as "notoriously slow," and terminal pickup/drop-off areas can experience significant congestion, despite recent improvements.
Overall, George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport is actively undergoing significant improvements, particularly in its facilities and traffic management, which are positively impacting the traveler experience. However, travelers should still prepare for potential frustrations related to staff interactions, security wait times, and navigating the large, actively developing airport complex, especially during peak travel periods. Utilizing expedited security programs and allowing ample time for connections are frequently recommended strategies.
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Airport Routes
George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (IAH) offers 509 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include United, Spirit, American Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Houston include Dallas-Fort Worth Intl, Austin-Bergstrom Intl, Chicago O'Hare Intl, El Salvador Int'l and Los Angeles Intl.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW) 14
- Austin-Bergstrom Intl (AUS) 10
- Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) 8
- El Salvador Int'l (SAL) 7
- Los Angeles Intl (LAX) 7
- Miami Intl (MIA) 7
- Philadelphia Intl (PHL) 6
- Midland Intl Air and Space Port (MAF) 6
- Charlotte/Douglas Intl (CLT) 6
- Mc Allen Intl (MFE) 6
- El Paso Intl (ELP) 6
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) 6
Newly Discovered
- Del Bajio Guanajuato Int'l (BJX) new
- Miami Intl (MIA) new
- Salt Lake City Intl (SLC) new
- Orlando Intl (MCO) new
- Jorge Chávez Int'l (LIM) new
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) new
- Los Angeles Intl (LAX) new
- Austin-Bergstrom Intl (AUS) new
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) new
- El Paso Intl (ELP) new
- Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) new
- Charlotte/Douglas Intl (CLT) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at George Bush Intercontinental Houston AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
United
UAL
/ UA
|
114 | 1533 | 114 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Spirit
NKS
/ NK
|
23 | 436 | 23 | Jan 30, 2026 |
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
7 | 388 | 7 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Delta Air Lines
DAL
/ DL
|
8 | 369 | 8 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Mesa
ASH
/ YV
|
61 | 315 | 61 | Jan 30, 2026 |
SkyWest
SKW
/ OO
|
41 | 249 | 41 | Jan 30, 2026 |
|
CommuteAir
UCA
/ C5
|
29 | 212 | 29 | Jan 29, 2026 |
Frontier
FFT
/ F9
|
20 | 176 | 20 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Air Transport International, Inc.
ATN
/ 8C
|
9 | 113 | 9 | Jan 30, 2026 |
FedEx
FDX
/ FX
|
5 | 65 | 5 | Jan 30, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
08L/26R |
9000 ft | 150 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
08R/26L |
9402 ft | 150 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
09/27 |
10000 ft | 150 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
15L/33R |
12001 ft | 150 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
15R/33L |
9999 ft | 150 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 120.05 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 124.05 MHz |
| CLD | CLNC DEL | 128.1 MHz |
| DEP | DEP | 28.14 MHz |
| DEP | DEP | 119.7 MHz |
| GND | GND | 118.575 MHz |
| RDO | MONTGOMERY CO RDO | 122.4 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 29.02 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 120.725 MHz |
| UNIC | UNICOM | 122.95 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are available at curbside stands outside the baggage claim area of each terminal (A, B, C, D, and E). Dispatchers are present to assist passengers. Fares are metered, though flat rates may apply for trips to key destinations like Downtown Houston or the Galleria/Uptown area. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also have designated pick-up zones at each terminal.
Rental Cars
All major car rental companies operate from a consolidated Rental Car Center located off-airport property. A free, 24/7 shuttle bus transports passengers between the airport terminals and the Rental Car Center. Shuttle pick-up points are located outside the baggage claim area of each terminal.
Public Transportation
The most economical option is the METRO Bus service. The METRO Bus 102 provides service from the south side of Terminal C to the downtown METRO transit center, where passengers can connect to the METRORail system and other bus routes. The bus runs approximately every 30 minutes.
Nearby Airports
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Medium Airport Scheduled Service
External Links & Resources
Official Resources
Public Transportation