What is the construction date of the IAH airport?

Houston’s main airport

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, also known as IAH, is the primary airport serving the Houston metropolitan area. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a hub for United Airlines. The airport has a rich history dating back to the 1960s, when it was first planned and built.

The history of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport

The idea for a new airport in Houston was first proposed in the mid-1950s, as the city’s existing airport, William P. Hobby Airport, was unable to accommodate the growing number of passengers and aircraft. In 1957, the City of Houston purchased land in northern Harris County for the new airport. The airport was officially named George Bush Intercontinental Airport in 1997, in honor of former President George H.W. Bush.

The planning and design of the airport

The planning and design of IAH began in the early 1960s. The airport was designed by Goleman & Rolfe, a Houston-based architectural firm, and the construction was overseen by Brown & Root, a Texas-based engineering and construction firm. The airport was designed to handle both domestic and international flights, with a mix of terminal and concourse buildings, parking garages, and support facilities.

The construction of the airport begins

Construction on the airport began in 1964, with work starting on the first terminal building and a runway. The airport was built in phases, with additional terminals, parking garages, and runways added over the years. The construction process was complex and challenging, with the airport being built on a site that was largely undeveloped and prone to flooding.

The challenges faced during the construction process

One of the major challenges faced during the construction of IAH was the difficulty of building on a site that was largely undeveloped. The site was also prone to flooding, which required extensive drainage and flood control measures to be put in place. In addition, the construction process was hampered by labor strikes, weather delays, and other issues.

The airport’s completion date

The first phase of construction was completed in 1969, with the opening of the airport’s first terminal building and a single runway. Over the next few years, additional terminals, concourses, and parking garages were added, along with more runways and support facilities. The airport was officially completed in 1990, with the addition of a fourth terminal building.

The grand opening of the airport

The grand opening of IAH took place in June 1969, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and dignitaries. The airport’s first flight, a Braniff International Airways flight to Dallas, took off from the airport on June 8, 1969. Over the years, the airport has welcomed millions of passengers and has become a major hub for air travel in the United States.

The expansion of the airport over the years

Since its completion in 1990, IAH has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of passengers and aircraft. In 2019, the airport completed a $1.6 billion renovation project, which included updates to the terminals, parking garages, and other facilities. The airport is also currently working on a $3.5 billion expansion project, which will add new terminals and concourses, additional parking garages, and other amenities.

The current state of the airport

Today, IAH is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 45 million passengers annually. The airport has five terminals and over 130 gates, and is home to a wide range of airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. The airport also features a variety of shops, restaurants, and other amenities for travelers.

The impact of the airport on Houston’s economy

IAH has had a significant impact on the economy of Houston and the surrounding region. The airport is a major employer, with over 30,000 people working at the airport and in related industries. The airport also generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year, supporting a wide range of businesses and industries in the Houston area.

Conclusion: The significance of knowing the construction date

Knowing the construction date of IAH is important for understanding the history and development of Houston’s main airport. It also highlights the complexity and challenges of building a major airport, and the importance of these facilities in supporting the economy and transportation network of a region.