IAH runway improvement project to strengthen safety, extend lifespan

90-day resurfacing and lighting upgrade on Runway 9/27 keeps four runways open while improving friction, visibility and long-term performance.

Mar 4, 2026

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.