Hobby Airport Delays: What You Need To Know

As of the 6th of January 2025, there are minor delays at Houston William P. Hobby Airport. Both arrivals and departures are experiencing airborne, gate hold, and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less.

General departure delays

As of 5:32 AM GMT on January 6, 2025, the Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is experiencing general departure delays due to gate hold and taxi delays. These delays are relatively minor, lasting 15 minutes or less. The delay status is moderate and decreasing.

When experiencing gate hold and taxi delays, aircraft are typically held at the gate before departure or experience delays while taxiing to the runway. These delays can be caused by various factors, such as high traffic volume, congestion on the taxiways, or other operational constraints at the airport. It's important to note that these delays are not specific to any particular destination.

To manage these delays, airlines and airport authorities may implement various strategies. These can include adjusting the sequencing of aircraft on the ground, utilizing alternative taxi routes, or coordinating closely with air traffic control to optimize the flow of traffic. It's recommended that passengers check with their respective airlines for specific information regarding their flights, as these minor delays can still impact overall travel plans.

While these general departure delays are currently estimated to last 15 minutes or less, it's always advisable for travellers to stay updated on the latest delay information. Real-time updates can be accessed through various sources, including airport websites, flight tracking applications, or social media platforms specific to the airport. Staying informed helps travellers make any necessary adjustments to their travel itineraries and ensures a smoother overall departure experience.

Gate hold and taxi delays

Houston Hobby Airport, also known as William P. Hobby Airport, is located in Houston, Texas. The airport has two terminals: the Central Concourse and the Main Terminal.

On January 6, 2025, the airport experienced general departure delays, with gate hold and taxi delays lasting 15 minutes or less. These delays are relatively minor and should not cause significant disruptions to travellers' plans. However, it is always advisable for passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure time to account for any unforeseen circumstances or unexpected delays.

Gate hold delays can occur due to various factors such as heavy traffic, staffing shortages, or unforeseen technical issues. In the case of Hobby Airport, the specific reason for the gate hold delays is not specified, but it could be attributed to any of the aforementioned factors or other operational challenges. During a gate hold, passengers may be asked to remain in the gate area until further notice, and boarding might be temporarily paused.

Taxi delays, on the other hand, refer to the time taken for an aircraft to move from the gate to the runway or from the runway to the gate. Taxi delays can be caused by congested taxiways, air traffic control instructions, or other aircraft movements. In the context of Hobby Airport, the taxi delays are also estimated to be 15 minutes or less, which is considered a relatively short duration in the aviation industry.

To put this into perspective, Hobby Airport handles approximately 13,000 passengers daily and accommodates an average of 260 flights each day. With such a high volume of traffic, minor delays are inevitable, and the airport staff works diligently to ensure that any disruptions are minimised. Passengers can also benefit from using expedited security screening services like CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck, which are available at Hobby Airport and can significantly reduce wait times.

Arrival traffic airborne delays

As of 5:32 AM GMT on January 6, 2025, the Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is experiencing general arrival delays in airborne traffic of 15 minutes or less. These delays are considered moderate and decreasing. While there are no destination-specific delays reported, arrival traffic is impacted by these minor airborne delays. This information is general to the airport and may not apply to specific flights, so passengers are advised to check with their airlines for potential flight-specific delays.

The current weather conditions at Houston Hobby Airport are mostly clear skies with cold temperatures. The lows are expected to be around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, with northwest winds ranging from 15 to 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 30 mph. The airport is experiencing similar conditions throughout the day, with temperatures gradually increasing. The highs are predicted to be in the mid-40s to upper 50s Fahrenheit, with north or northeast winds of 5 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph.

These weather conditions, combined with air traffic management, are likely contributing factors to the minor airborne arrival delays. It is important for passengers to stay updated with the latest information as delays can change rapidly. While the current delays are relatively short, travellers are advised to continue monitoring their flight status and plan their arrival at the airport accordingly.

To manage these delays effectively, passengers can utilise various mobile flight tracker tools and travel applications. These applications provide real-time updates on flight statuses, allowing travellers to make informed decisions and adjust their travel plans if necessary. By staying informed, passengers can minimise the impact of these delays on their overall travel experience. It is also advisable for passengers to check for any updates regarding their departure location to ensure a smooth departure journey.

Current weather conditions

As of 5:32 AM GMT on January 6, 2025, the Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is experiencing general departure and arrival delays due to gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less. The current weather conditions in Houston, Texas, are mostly clear and cold, with lows around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The winds are coming from the northwest at 15 to 20 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 30 miles per hour.

Looking ahead, the weather forecast for Houston Hobby Airport predicts a continuation of cold temperatures. The day is expected to be sunny, with highs in the mid-40s Fahrenheit. North winds will persist, ranging from 10 to 15 miles per hour, accompanied by gusts of up to 25 miles per hour.

In the evening, skies are anticipated to become partly cloudy, eventually turning mostly cloudy. The temperature will drop to lows in the lower 30s Fahrenheit. Northeast winds are expected to blow at speeds between 5 and 10 miles per hour.

The following day, the weather is forecast to remain mostly cloudy, with highs in the lower 40s Fahrenheit. There is a chance of rain showers after midnight, with lows in the lower 30s again. The likelihood of rain is estimated at 40%.

These current weather conditions and the upcoming forecast could potentially impact airport operations and cause further delays or disruptions. It is always advisable to check the latest updates and stay informed about any changes in the delay status and weather forecasts.

Airport location and contact

William P. Hobby Airport (IATA: HOU, ICAO: KHOU, FAA LID: HOU), also known as Houston Hobby Airport, is located 7 miles (11 km) from downtown Houston, Texas, US. The airport's address is 7800 Airport Boulevard, Houston, TX, US 77061. The airport can be contacted via phone on +1 713-640-3000.

Houston Hobby Airport is conveniently located just west of the Gulf Freeway (US Highway – Interstate 45). It is easily accessible by car, bus, taxi, or ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), provides bus services to and from the airport, with several bus lines serving Hobby Airport. These bus lines offer connections to various parts of the city, including Eastwood Transit Center, Downtown, North Shepard Park and Ride, Magnolia Park Transit Center, and Fannin South Transit Center.

Houston Hobby Airport is Houston's second busiest airport, after Bush Intercontinental Airport. It serves as a focus city for Southwest Airlines, with the airline carrying the majority of its passengers. The airport covers 1,304 acres (528 ha) and has three runways, although one source mentions it has four runways. The airport consists of a single terminal with two concourses: one domestic and one international. The domestic concourse offers various retail shops and restaurants, while the international concourse opened in 2015.

The airport is known for its artistic pieces, including "Take-off" by artists Paul Kittleson and Carter Ernst, located at Hobby's Broadway Street entrance. This stainless steel bird's nest, depicting the spirit of Houston's industrial force, is held above the ground by three steel tree trunks.

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