Houston’s two main airports, George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby, were shut down on Tuesday due to severe winter weather, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. The closure began at midnight and primarily affected United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, which have significant operations in Houston.
Proactive Cancellations
Both United and Southwest Airlines canceled most flights ahead of time to help travelers adjust their plans. Airlines often take such pre-emptive measures to minimize disruption during extreme weather conditions.
Robert W. Mann Jr., a former airline executive, explained that airlines typically have a good idea of how storms will affect their operations. They work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to align their schedules with reduced capacity limits during storms, considering factors like wind speed and poor visibility.
Hazardous Conditions
Houston airport officials stated that icy roads in the city were a major reason for the closures. These dangerous road conditions make it difficult for passengers and airline crews to travel safely to and from the airports. Mann emphasized that trying to maintain a full flight schedule under such circumstances would be unsafe and impractical.
Ripple Effects on Airlines
The closure of George Bush Intercontinental Airport significantly impacts United Airlines since the airport is a key hub for its operations. Similarly, Southwest Airlines, which has a major presence at William P. Hobby Airport, also faces major disruptions to its overall schedule.
Flight cancellations at these airports often have a chain reaction, affecting operations at other airports nationwide.
What’s Next?
Once weather conditions improve and roads are safer, airport operations are expected to return to normal gradually. The timeline will depend on the severity of the storm and its impact on both the airfields and surrounding areas in Houston.
Airlines are working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and will update passengers as conditions change. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about their flights and make any necessary adjustments to their travel plans.
By prioritizing safety and planning ahead, airlines aim to reduce inconvenience during extreme weather events like this Gulf Coast storm.
