Welcome toGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport

PLAN AHEADUPDATED: March 9, 2026 at 7:45 a.m.Arrive early and allow for extra time for securityBecause of the current federal government shutdown, TSA officers across the country are continuing to work without pay. This has created staffing challenges at some airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).- The number of operational TSA screening lanes can vary from airport to airport and shift to shift, depending on how many agents show up to work.- When travel demand increases and fewer lanes are open, wait times can become longer than usual.- Longer security lines are expected until the federal shutdown ends.Houston Airports encourages travelers to plan ahead, arrive early and allow extra time to pass through the security checkpoint.George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)Because of the partial federal government shutdown, passengers traveling through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) should allow extra time for security screening.- TSA checkpoints in Terminals A, C and E are operational March 8 and 9.- TSA checkpoint in Terminal D is closed March 8 and 9.- Remember, the Subway connects all IAH terminals, pre-security.For estimated security wait times at IAH: www.fly2houston.com/iah/securityFlying from Terminal D? Check your baggage at Terminal D, then proceed to Terminal E for security screening. After clearing security, follow airport signage to your departure gate.- Some international air carriers have recently moved from Terminal D to E.Review the list of recent airline moves.William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)Because of the partial federal government shutdown, passengers traveling through William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) should plan to arrive 4 hours before their scheduled departure to allow additional time for TSA security screening.- TSA PreCheck is open.- At times, TSA wait times at HOU may extend beyond 2 hours.For estimated security wait times at HOU: www.fly2houston.com/hou/security Looking for the standard TSA Lanes? Look for the red balloons.Looking for TSA PreCheck? Look for the green balloons.Frequently Asked QuestionsHouston Airports is sharing answers to common questions from passengers about TSA security screening during the partial federal government shutdown.1. Why are TSA lines longer than normal?The federal government shutdown affects TSA staffing and resources nationwide as officers continue working without pay. Some security lanes may be closed as TSA operates with fewer officers than usual, which can result in longer screening times — especially during peak travel periods like Spring Break.2. What should I do before leaving home?A few simple steps can save time at the airport:- Check your airline’s app for gate and departure updates- Reserve airport parking online when possible- Pack liquids properly in carry-on bags to speed up security screening- Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint3. How early should I arrive at the airport?During Spring Break, travelers should arrive at least three hours before domestic flights and four hours before international flights.Security wait times may be longer than usual this week due to federal staffing challenges at airports nationwide. Arriving early helps ensure you have enough time for check-in, security screening and reaching your gate comfortably.4. How can I make security screening faster?Travelers can move through checkpoints more quickly by:- Removing large electronics and liquids from carry-on bags if requested- Following TSA officer instructions at the checkpoint- If you have TSA PreCheck, use the designated lanes when available.5. Where can I get help inside the airport?Look for Houston Airports customer service representatives wearing bright orange polos inside the terminals.Our teams are available to help with:- directions and gate information- navigating the airport- accessibility assistance- general travel questions6. What should I do if I miss my flight?Contact your airline immediately and explain the situation. Your airline may be able to rebook you on a later flight.7. What is Houston Airports doing to help?Houston Airports and airlines are working closely with TSA monitor checkpoint capacity in real-time, adjust passenger flow and provide on-site customer service support.

On March 6, National Employee Appreciation Day, Houston Airports is recognizing its 1,300 employees who keep one of North America’s largest airport systems running around the clock. Their work powers the mission of Houston Airports: connecting the people, businesses, cultures and economies of the world to Houston. Airports operate like small cities. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) / Houston Spaceport, teams coordinate everything from runway safety and security screening to baggage systems, customer service, concessions, technology infrastructure and emergency response.Many shifts begin long before the first flight departs.Maintenance crews inspect facilities overnight. Operations teams monitor weather and airfield conditions. Customer service representatives prepare to greet passengers from around the world. And across every terminal, custodians, airline staff, TSA officers, concession workers and airport employees in administrative roles like finance, communications, marketing and I.T., help ensure travelers experience a clean, organized and welcoming environment.That effort reflects a shared culture inside Houston Airports — one built around relationships, innovation, service and excellence.Leaders often describe the goal simply: make passengers happy.But delivering that experience requires coordination across dozens of teams and partners who work together to solve problems quickly and keep travelers moving safely and efficiently.- For passengers, the result is something simple: a smoother journey from curb to gate.- For Houston Airports employees, it is a daily commitment to serve a global city with pride.Today, travelers passing through IAH or HOU are invited to join in recognizing the people who make that experience possible.If you see an airport employee helping someone find a gate, keeping a terminal spotless or answering a question with a smile, take a moment to say thank you.Behind every departure board and boarding announcement is a team working quietly to make sure Houston stays connected to the world.

One of the longest and most heavily used runways at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will soon undergo a carefully planned upgrade designed to strengthen safety and extend the life of critical airport infrastructure.Houston Airports has temporarily closed Runway 9/27 — a 10,000-foot runway made up of approximately 1.5 million square feet of concrete — for a 90-day resurfacing and lighting improvement project.Rather than repaving the runway, crews will grind approximately one-half inch off the existing concrete surface, retexture it and then regroove the runway. The process restores friction and drainage performance, helping aircraft maintain better traction during landings and takeoffs, particularly in wet conditions.The project also includes installing 380 new LED runway lights, improving visibility for pilots while supporting the airport system’s sustainability goals.This work strengthens one of the most important pieces of infrastructure at Bush Airport. Runways take an incredible amount of daily stress from large, multi-ton commercial aircraft. By resurfacing and retexturing the concrete, Houston Airports restores the friction pilots rely on and extend the life of the runway for years to come.The project is funded in part through a Federal Aviation Administration grant, reflecting continued federal investment in aviation safety and infrastructure across the United States.While Runway 9/27 is temporarily closed, IAH will continue operating with four active runways, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations during the rehabilitation project.