Welcome toGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport

There was no real smoke. No flames to extinguish. But the stakes were still sky-high.At precisely 9:31 a.m. on a quiet Saturday morning, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) transformed into the scene of a simulated aircraft emergency—a full-scale exercise mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designed to test how the airport and its partners would respond to a crisis no one ever hopes to face.The simulation: an aircraft engine fire results in dozens of injuries. Within moments, emergency teams move into action. Airside operations, fire and rescue crews and field personnel converge. Radios crackle. Plans activate—every second counts.This was no ordinary drill. Houston’s triennial emergency exercise was an extensive, high-pressure event that brought together hundreds of people, from first responders to student volunteers, focused on one goal: readiness.“This isn’t just a requirement—it’s a responsibility,” said Kelly Woodward, chief operating officer for Houston Airports. “These exercises sharpen our response, strengthen our coordination and ultimately save lives.”Required by the FAA. Practiced to perfection.The Federal Aviation Administration requires a full-scale emergency exercise at least once every three years to ensure airports are prepared for large-scale emergencies such as aircraft accidents. The 2022 exercise happened at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). This triennial drill is the most comprehensive test of an airport’s emergency plan, evaluating response capabilities, communication protocols and coordination between agencies. The goals of the full-scale emergency exercise are clear:- Validate emergency plans in a fast-moving, realistic scenario.- Ensure every participant, from airport personnel to local responders, knows their role.- Identify and address any gaps in training or coordination.- Comply with federal safety regulations outlined in 14 CFR Part 139.Tabletop exercises keep plans current between triennial events. But nothing compares to the rhythm, stress and complexity of a full-scale test.Volunteers With a MissionNearly 250 people volunteered to make the simulation happen, that includes teens. Students from Humble ISD’s Kingwood High School theater program played the roles of injured passengers—without props, smoke, or makeup. Instead, they brought energy, realism and a willingness to help Houston practice saving lives.“This was about more than drama,” said Ella Ghica, manager of outreach initiatives and volunteer programs for Houston Airports. “Our students understood the purpose—and they showed up ready to make it real.”Ghica, who coordinated the volunteers for Houston Airports with IAH Emergency Management Coordinator Austen McMillin, said their presence elevated the entire exercise. “Their energy and commitment gave our teams something real to respond to. They made the difference.”Putting Equipment and Coordination to the TestThough the ARFF trucks from the Houston Fire Department didn’t deploy foam or extinguish a fire, they were critical to the response. These state-of-the-art vehicles—part of a recent $4.6 million investment by Houston Airports—were staged and mobilized, testing their integration with other units and confirming Houston’s operational readiness.The airport system’s mobile incident command vehicle and the Atascocita Fire Department’s mass casualty evacuation ambulance were also activated. Both played key roles in simulating coordination and triage operations.Multiple agencies, from the federal to the local level, simulated what would happen if the worst became real.Real Stakes. Real Preparation.Exercises like this may unfold without drama for the public, but behind the scenes, they’re a full-scale commitment to safety. “To the traveling public, it might just be another Saturday,” said Woodward. “But for us, it’s a critical opportunity to test everything—and make sure we’re ready when it truly matters.”

A new NASA exhibit is turning heads near Gate E10 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)—and it’s doing more than just showcasing space boots and lunar dreams. It’s reclaiming Houston’s title as the launchpad of imagination.Titled The Art of Artemis, the display is a bold collision of science, history and contemporary art—delivering a powerful visual story about humanity’s return to the Moon and the next giant leap toward Mars.At the heart of the exhibit are mural-style works by Houston visual artist David Maldonado—whose signature blend of street art and Mexican American folk imagery brings cosmic exploration down to earth. One mural depicts a Mars rover barreling across a red-orange landscape. Another mural celebrates Apollo’s legacy, with astronauts planting an American flag and the words “On the shoulders of giants” stretching across the lunar dust. Maldonado’s pieces don’t just decorate the space—they humanize it.The installation features custom-painted high-top sneakers that combine urban street art with the science of space exploration and children’s artwork envisioning the future of space travel. Anchored by a digital tribute from Apollo missions to Artemis missions, it’s both a nod to the past and a call to the next generation.“This is more than a NASA display—it’s a reminder that Houston has always been central to humanity’s biggest steps forward,” said Alton DuLaney, curator of public and cultural art for Houston Airports. “It’s personal for this city. Apollo, Artemis—it all points back to Houston.”The exhibit’s location is fitting. Terminal E sits just steps from the recently expanded Terminal D. Both terminals are part of a $1.458 billion overhaul—the single largest investment by Houston Airports since Bush Airport opened in June 1969, just weeks before Neil Armstrong set foot on the Moon.“There’s a relevance to bringing this to Terminal E,” DuLaney said. “It’s been over a year since NASA had a presence at IAH. After we removed the original display during the early stages of the Terminal B Transformation project, we knew we had to bring back this cultural collaboration bigger and stronger.”The airport system’s commitment to visual arts is gaining global recognition. Earlier this year, the Skytrax World Airport Awards named the Houston Airports art program the “World’s Best Airport Art” for the third year in a row.“We don’t treat art as an afterthought here,” DuLaney said. “We curate experiences. We tell stories. This new exhibit makes space exploration feel urgent and alive—and it reminds travelers that when you fly through Houston, you’re stepping through the gateway to the stars.”The Art of Artemis is now displayed in Terminal E near Gate E10.

Less than a month after its debut, METRO’s 500 IAH Downtown Direct route is a game-changer for passengers traveling between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Downtown Houston. The nonstop express service, launched on April 13, offers a comfortable ride between Terminal C and the George R. Brown Convention Center for $4.50 each way. The new route delivers affordable and efficient transit to business travelers, international visitors and locals.And early signs show it’s working.“We’ve seen an immediate positive response,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “The convenience of a nonstop, Wi-Fi-equipped bus between downtown and IAH fills a critical gap in Houston’s transit offerings—and shows Houston is serious about delivering a world-class travel experience.”Szczesniak, who previously led Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare airports, called the express nature of METRO Houston’s new 500 IAH Downtown Direct “even more convenient than some of the rail options in other major U.S. cities.” For him, the new service is about more than moving people—it’s about positioning Houston as a global hub.“When Houston is bidding to host conventions, trade shows or major sports events, access to public transportation is always a key question,” he said. “Now we have a stronger answer. This new route adds another win to Houston’s economic toolkit.”The new route also serves the more than 30,000 people who work at Bush Airport. Szczesniak also sees value in travelers with long layovers or early cruise arrivals who are often stuck waiting at the airport. “Now, they can explore Downtown Houston, grab a bite, walk by Discovery Green, and still make it back to IAH in time for their flight.”[](https://www.ridemetro.org/riding-metro/transit-services/park-and-ride-bus/route-details/500-iah-downtown-direct)The METRO 500 IAH Downtown Direct runs every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Riders can use METRO’s Q Fare Card, Day Pass, mobile ticketing app or exact cash to board. And with amenities like free Wi-Fi and a direct route with no stops in between, it’s quickly becoming a preferred option for travelers looking to avoid the cost and unpredictability of rideshares.[](https://www.ridemetro.org/riding-metro/transit-services/park-and-ride-bus/route-details/500-iah-downtown-direct)“A day like today, where I have to catch a flight, this was actually the most convenient way for me to head to the airport,” said Valeria, a METRO bus passenger. “It’s great because there’s a lot of space. I get to work a little bit on the bus while I’m heading to the airport.”For Houston Airports, it’s another step forward in improving access, experience and connectivity ahead of global events like the World Cup and the World Baseball Classic.“This service represents the kind of smart, passenger-focused investment Houston needs as we prepare to welcome the world,” Szczesniak said.LEARN MORE | METRO 500 IAH Downtown Direct