Houston Airports restores operations after Hurricane

Airline travel waivers are in effect, including flights on July 9, which allows Houstonians to defer travel to a future date. Travel to the airports is still hazardous.

July 8, 2024
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Bush airport restored operations
(UPDATE: July 8, 2024) Houston Airports has restored operations after a deadly Hurricane Beryl forced airlines to cancel flights this morning at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). 
  
In the immediate aftermath of Beryl, it’s crucial that passengers understand: 
 
  • Due to the hurricane, airlines have a travel waiver policy that allows passengers to rebook flights scheduled between July 7 and July 9 at no additional cost.  
  • While some flights will resume later tonight, operations are very limited. 
  • Airlines are returning planes to Houston tonight to return Houstonians who are out of town and to be ready to restart limited flights tomorrow.  
 
To restore operations, Houston Airports must first access its facilities and make any necessary repairs. That response was initiated this morning after the strongest winds cleared our airports. Crews are clearing debris and fallen trees from Will Clayton Parkway at IAH and Airport Boulevard and Telephone Road near HOU.  
  
Our 28 airline partners are updating their flight schedules. Some airlines are offering limited flights tonight, with limited flights anticipated tomorrow, July 9. 
 
In collaboration with City of Houston Emergency Management Operations, Houston Airports worked to safely resume aircraft operations at Bush and Hobby airports by 7 p.m. tonight but getting to the airport may be a serious challenge. Travelers need to verify the status of their flight before going to the airport. 
  
Aviation Director Jim Szczesniak joins Mayor Whitmire in asking all Houstonians to stay off the roads if possible. Travel waivers provide a great option to delay your need to come to the airport as travel challenges persist on Houston area roadways.  First responders are working to mitigate hazardous traffic conditions that pose a significant threat to both passengers and airport workers. Stalled vehicles may still need to be cleared from the road. Traffic signals and streetlights may not be operating. METRO Houston is not operating today and is going to be offering limited service tomorrow. As Mayor Whitmire shared this afternoon, as Houston begins to access damage across our area, we must work together as Texans to recover.
 
As a result, even Tier 1 airport workers deemed essential employees may face challenges making it to work. We ask passengers to extend patience and understanding as the airports may experience extended TSA and ticketing lines, limited concessions, amenities and essential services in the immediate days after Hurricane Beryl. 
 
Houston Airports is focused on the safety of its passengers, employees and facilities while remaining steadfast in recovery efforts and the full restoration of operations. 

Although the sun is now out and our skies are prime for flights, it’s imperative that Houstonians recognize the real risks associated with trying to get to the airport in the days following the hurricane.

Again, airlines can rebook passengers flying out of Houston between July 7 and July 9 at no additional cost to the passenger.  Our hearts are with our fellow Houstonians as we all begin to recover from Hurricane Beryl. #HoustonStrong
 
 
(ORIGINAL POST: JULY 6) Houston Airports is closely monitoring the development and projected path of Tropical Cyclone Beryl. As of 10 a.m. Sunday, July 7, the National Weather Service is forecasting Beryl to become at least a Category 1 Hurricane when it makes landfall in the middle of the Texas Coast early Monday, July 8.  You can track the storm here. 
 
The safety of our passengers and airport staff is our top priority. We understand this storm may disrupt travel plans, and we want to keep you informed.

Potential Impacts:

  • Flight delays or cancellations are possible, even for flights departing to or arriving from destinations outside the storm's direct path. Airlines may need to adjust flight schedules and routes due to the hurricane's overall impact on their network.
  • Airport operations may be affected depending on the severity of the storm.
     

What We Recommend:

Contact Your Airline: Before heading to the airport, please check the status of your flight directly with your airline.
 
Airline Websites & Apps: Airlines will provide the most up-to-date information regarding flight cancellations and delays.
 
Monitor Our Website & Social Media: We will continue to provide updates on the airport's operational status through our website and social media channels.