George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the largest airport serving the Houston metropolitan area and one of the busiest airports in the United States by passenger traffic. Located approximately 23 miles north of downtown Houston, it serves as a major hub for United Airlines and offers nonstop service to destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and beyond. The airport was developed to replace Houston's older William P. Hobby Airport as the city's primary international facility and has grown substantially since its opening. It covers roughly 10,000 acres, making it one of the largest airports by land area in the country. Named after the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, who represented Houston in Congress and maintained strong ties to the city, the airport handles tens of millions of passengers annually and is a critical economic engine for the greater Houston region.