Houston Airport Flooding: Past, Present, And Future

Houston, Texas, has experienced several major flooding events in recent years, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which caused catastrophic flooding across the city and led to the closure of several airports, including Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport. The Houston Airport System activated its emergency operations center to ensure the safety of passengers and staff and maintain the airports' infrastructure during this period. Flood evacuees were transported to airports such as Scholes International Airport in Galveston, where they boarded Texas Air National Guard planes to other cities.

Hurricane Harvey caused Houston airport to close

Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall just north of Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2017. The hurricane stalled over Southeast Texas for days, dumping more than 4 feet of rain on the city of Houston. This resulted in catastrophic flooding across the city, including at Houston's airports.

Bush Airport, the largest commercial airport in Houston, was shut down to passenger flights for the first time in its history due to the flooding. The airport's Division Manager for Operations, Ross Williamson, recalled the challenging situation, stating that they had “so much water on the airfield." The flooding not only affected the airfield but also the roads surrounding the airport, stranding passengers and employees.

During the hurricane, Bush Airport played a crucial role in supporting relief efforts. It became a temporary base for various federal agencies, including the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and FEMA. The airport facilitated the delivery of medical supplies and served as a refueling station for aerial evacuation operations.

Ellington Airport, another important hub during Hurricane Harvey, was designated as the main airport in the Houston area for incoming aircraft providing search and rescue teams, supplies, and other support. Pete Fress, the Division Manager of Operations at Ellington Airport, worked tirelessly to clear debris from the runways that weren't underwater. The airport also accommodated military flight operations and supported the Texas National Guard's operations.

The impact of Hurricane Harvey on Houston's airports was significant, leading to flight cancellations, disruptions, and temporary closures. However, the resilience and adaptability of the airport staff, alongside federal and local support, helped navigate this unprecedented disaster and ensured the safety and security of those affected.

Bush Airport, Houston's largest, was shut down

Houston, Texas, was hit by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, leading to severe flooding in the city. Bush Airport, Houston's largest airport, was forced to shut down for the first time ever due to the floods. The airport's runways were underwater, and the city was "under water", according to Ross Williamson, the Division Manager for Operations.

Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 hurricane that stalled over Southeast Texas for days. The storm caused more than 4 feet of rain to fall in Houston, leading to catastrophic flooding. The Houston Airport System went into "emergency mode", with the airport's emergency operations center (EOC) activated and staffed with essential Tier 1 employees working around the clock.

Bush Airport ceased all commercial aircraft operations but remained open for military and humanitarian flights. The airport was used by the U.S. Air Force to deliver supplies to people affected by the hurricane. Helicopters from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies also aided in search and rescue operations across Houston.

The flooding had a significant impact on the airport's employees, with some experiencing total losses due to flooding in their personal lives. The maintenance staff worked to repair leaks and keep the airport's infrastructure intact, while the custodial staff had the challenging task of maintaining cleanliness and ensuring passenger comfort despite the disruptions.

Roads near the airport became impassable

Houston, Texas, has experienced severe flooding over the years, with Hurricane Harvey in 2017 being a notable event that caused significant disruption to the city's airports. Bush Airport, the largest commercial airport in Houston, was shut down to passenger flights for the first time ever due to the hurricane. The airport's airfield was flooded, and the water levels continued to rise, filling the city's horizon. This forced the temporary closure of the airport, with federal, state, and local law enforcement helicopters aiding in search and rescue operations.

As roads near the airport became impassable, access to off-site food options was eliminated. Robert Riedle, the Director of Operations for 4 Families, which operates the restaurants at Hobby Airport, stepped in to supply food for stranded passengers and employees. Riedle provided meals from his restaurants, including Pappasitos, Pappadeaux, and Pappas Bar-B-Q. Even Sarah Freddie, the administration manager at Hobby, pitched in with food preparation, and passengers particularly enjoyed the burgers.

The impact of the flooding on airport staff was significant. Some employees experienced total losses due to flooding in their personal lives, requiring months, and even close to a year, to recover. Additionally, airport employees were unable to leave after their shifts due to the roads being flooded. The maintenance staff worked tirelessly to repair leaks and maintain the airfield, while the custodial staff faced the challenging task of keeping the airport and restrooms clean to ensure passenger comfort despite the uncertainty of their stay.

The Houston Airport System activated its emergency operations center (EOC) and coordinated with essential Tier 1 employees, the Army National Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and a network of medical emergency helicopters to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. The collaboration and resilience displayed by the airport staff during this challenging time were commendable, and the social media hashtag #HoustonStrong became synonymous with the spirit of Houston and its airports.

Helicopters aided in search and rescue operations

Helicopters played a crucial role in search and rescue operations during the devastating flooding in Houston, Texas, caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The hurricane brought more than four feet of rain to the city, causing catastrophic flooding and leading to the activation of the entire Texas National Guard for search and rescue missions.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement helicopters were deployed across Houston to aid in search and rescue efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard significantly increased their daily helicopter operations, ramping up from the usual six to over 40 helicopter missions to rescue those in need.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter was captured on video landing at Ellington Airport, allowing six individuals to escape the flooding and seek shelter. This airport, located 40 miles south of the Coast Guard choppers working out of Bush Airport, served as a critical hub for military operations and the facilitation of rescue efforts.

Ellington Airport staff played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth conduct of military and rescue operations. They worked tirelessly to clear debris from roadways and taxiways, enabling the safe movement of aircraft and rescue vehicles. The staff also provided essential information to rescue teams, including updates on the status of open and closed roadways and flooded runways.

The deployment of helicopters in search and rescue operations was a vital component of the emergency response to the flooding in Houston, Texas. The combined efforts of federal, state, and local agencies, coordinated with the dedication of airport staff, contributed to saving countless lives during this challenging period.

Texas Air National Guard planes helped flood evacuees

Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 hurricane, caused severe flooding in Houston, Texas, in 2017. The hurricane dropped over 51 inches of water in a 6-day period, leading to catastrophic flooding that resulted in more than 100 deaths and an estimated $75 billion in damages. The storm stalled over Southeast Texas, causing torrential rainfall and flooding in Houston and the surrounding areas.

The flooding in Houston was so severe that Bush Airport, the largest commercial airport in the city, was shut down to passenger flights for the first time. The airport's runways were underwater, and the city's other airports, such as Hobby and Ellington, were also impacted. The flooding disrupted air travel in the region, with flight cancellations and delays occurring at Houston's airports.

Amidst the chaos, the Texas Air National Guard played a crucial role in assisting flood evacuees. They transported evacuees from Dickinson to Scholes International Airport in Galveston, where they boarded planes to be airlifted to other cities. The National Guard also delivered supplies to those affected by the floods. Galveston Fire Department firefighters provided instructions to evacuees and assisted them with their belongings as they arrived at the airport.

The first military plane transporting evacuees from Galveston County arrived in Dallas on Monday afternoon, August 28, 2017. About 70 people and a dozen pets were flown to a shelter in Irving, Texas, where they received medical evaluations. The Texas Air National Guard continued their rescue efforts, and the Lively Point Youth Center in Irving became a designated shelter for evacuees, with a capacity of about 200 people.

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