Airport guides · Houston, TX

Flying into IAH: what to expect

George Bush Intercontinental, Houston, TX. Live conditions in plain words, plus what's normal on arrival and departure.

Airport codeIAH / KIAH
Runways (FAA)5
Elevation95 ft
Longest runway12,001 ft
Flying to or from IAH?Get a free briefing: weather at both ends, the turbulence outlook and what to expect.Open My Flight

Weather at IAH right now

A few clouds around 25,000 ft; wind 8 mph; 16°C / 61°F. That means good visibility and no low cloud deck.

Forecast: wind around 8 mph.

What pilots reported nearby in the last 3 hours: 4 turbulence reports (0 smooth, 3 light, 1 moderate). Reports cover all altitudes and aircraft sizes; small aircraft feel bumps more.

Source: NWS Aviation Weather Center METAR, TAF and pilot reports for KIAH. Updated every few minutes.

Runways and which way you'll land

IAH has 5 runways in FAA data: 08L/26R (9,000 ft), 08R/26L (9,402 ft), 09/27 (10,000 ft), 15L/33R (12,001 ft), 15R/33L (10,000 ft).

Runway numbers are compass headings divided by ten (runway 27 points roughly west, 270°).6 Airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the direction you take off or land at IAH changes with the weather.5 That's normal.

Flying into IAH: common questions

Which runway will my flight use at IAH?

It depends mostly on the wind: airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the runway in use changes with the weather. FAA data lists 5 runways at IAH (08L/26R, 08R/26L, 09/27, 15L/33R, 15R/33L); the longest is 15L/33R at about 12,001 ft.

Why might my flight circle before landing at IAH?

Holding is a normal way for air traffic control to space out arrivals when it's busy or the weather changes. Airplanes carry extra fuel for it. You can check current delay programs on the FAA's National Airspace System status page.

Is it normal for the landing at IAH to feel bumpy?

Yes. Low-level bumps are common on approach, especially on windy or gusty days, and a firm touchdown is often deliberate. The airplane is designed for it; keep your seat belt fastened while seated.

What can I bring through security at IAH?

TSA rules apply at every US airport: liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-sized bag. TSA's 'What can I bring?' tool covers specific items.

Before you go

  • Liquids in carry-on: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag.1
  • Not sure about an item? Check TSA's "What can I bring?" tool.2
  • Need help at security because of a disability or medical condition? TSA Cares can help.3
  • Delays and ground stops across the US are shown on the FAA's airspace status page.4

Official IAH website

Calm reading for your trip

Nearby airport guides

AUS

Austin-Bergstrom International

DFW

Dallas Fort Worth International

BNA

Nashville International

ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

Sources

  1. TSA, Liquids, aerosols and gels rule (3-1-1)
  2. TSA, What can I bring?
  3. TSA Cares / passenger support
  4. FAA National Airspace System status (delays and ground stops)
  5. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (takeoff and landing into the wind)
  6. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aircraft performance and density altitude)
  7. FAA airport data via the NWS Aviation Weather Center airport API
  8. Holding patterns, explained (SafelyAboard)

Runway and elevation data: FAA, via aviationweather.gov, baked 2026-10-17. SafelyAboard doesn't rate airports.