Lois Larson
Houston Airport System, comprising George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport, and Houston Spaceport, is the fourth-largest airport system in the country. The airport system has a complex and effective drainage system to keep the airfield dry during hurricane season. The airport's maintenance team plays a crucial role in securing facilities, clearing drainage systems, and readying equipment to minimize potential damage and quickly restore operations after a storm. Houston Airports employees bring diverse backgrounds and constant collaboration, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Major Airports | 2 |
| Airport Names | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport |
| Airport Operations Center (AOC) | 48 employees across IAH and HOU |
| AOC Phone Calls Handled in 2024 | 46,667 at Hobby Airport AOC, 191,625 at Bush Airport AOC |
| Hurricane Season Preparedness | Drainage systems, equipment readiness, backup power, facility hardening, collaboration with government agencies and airlines |
| Transport Options | Hotel courtesy vans, public bus routes, rental cars, taxi services, airport transfers |
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What You'll Learn
- Houston Airport System includes Bush Intercontinental, William P. Hobby, and Ellington airports
- Houston Airports has an effective drainage system to manage water during hurricane season
- Maintenance teams secure facilities, clear drainage, and ready equipment to minimise hurricane damage
- Houston Airports collaborate with government agencies and airlines to manage hurricane disruptions
- Transport options are available to and from Houston Airport, including courtesy vans, public buses, and taxis
Houston Airport System includes Bush Intercontinental, William P. Hobby, and Ellington airports
The Houston Airport System is comprised of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport. Together, they form the fourth-largest airport system in the country, serving over 180 cities worldwide.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, or Bush Airport, is the largest airport in Houston. It opened in 1969, originally named Houston Intercontinental Airport. The airport has five terminals, all connected by an automated people mover and underground train. It offers amenities such as Wi-Fi, retail stores, and food and beverage outlets. The airport also features various art installations, including sculptures and etched glass walls. Bush Airport provides scheduled bus and shuttle services to locations like Downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and William P. Hobby Airport.
William P. Hobby Airport, originally known as Houston International Airport, is the other major airport in Houston. It continued to operate as a general aviation airport after the opening of Bush Intercontinental Airport. Hobby Airport has seen expansions and improvements over the years, including the addition of new destinations and services by Southwest Airlines.
Ellington Airport is the smallest of the three airports in the Houston Airport System. Houston Airports is responsible for maintaining 2,400 acres of land at Ellington Airport.
The Houston Airport System is well-prepared to handle severe weather conditions, especially during hurricane season. They have a comprehensive All-Weather Hazard and Emergency Plan, which includes collaboration with various government agencies and effective drainage systems to minimize disruptions and ensure quick restoration of operations.
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Houston Airports has an effective drainage system to manage water during hurricane season
Houston Airports, the City of Houston's Department of Aviation, manages and operates three airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Houston (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), and Ellington Airport/Spaceport (EFD). Together, these airports served a combined 60 million passengers in 2023, making the Houston Airport System one of the largest public airport systems and a significant international gateway to the south-central United States.
Given its strategic location along the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause significant disruptions to its airports' operations. To mitigate the impact of these extreme weather events, Houston Airports has implemented a complex and effective drainage system that spans the grounds of all three airports. This system is designed to efficiently manage water and prevent flooding on the airfield and surrounding areas.
The drainage system at Houston Airports incorporates drainage ditches and a pumping system, working in tandem to swiftly convey water away from the runways, taxiways, and surrounding areas. The elevation of the runways and taxiways at Bush Airport, in particular, contributes to the overall effectiveness of the drainage system. By constructing these areas at a higher elevation, the airport minimizes the risk of water ponding and flooding, ensuring that aircraft operations remain uninterrupted even during heavy rainfall.
In addition to its drainage system, Houston Airports implements a comprehensive set of measures to prepare for and respond to hurricanes. This includes rapid debris removal, equipment readiness, and collaboration with various government agencies and airlines as part of the Houston Airports All-Weather Hazard and Emergency Plan. The maintenance team plays a pivotal role in securing facilities, clearing drainage systems, and ensuring equipment readiness to minimize potential damage and expedite the restoration of airport operations after a storm.
Through its effective drainage system and comprehensive hurricane preparedness efforts, Houston Airports demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of its operations during hurricane season. The collaboration with other U.S. airports that have experienced hurricanes, as well as the implementation of new procedures, further enhances Houston Airports' resilience and ability to manage water-related challenges effectively during this challenging period.
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Maintenance teams secure facilities, clear drainage, and ready equipment to minimise hurricane damage
The Houston Airports Maintenance team plays a crucial role in securing facilities, clearing drainage systems, and readying equipment to minimise hurricane damage and ensure quick restoration of operations. This involves various proactive steps and collaboration with the City of Houston's Office of Emergency Management and government agencies.
The maintenance team's comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist includes securing loose materials and equipment, installing shutters, and securing windows and doors. They also ensure that exterior drainage systems are clear, a crucial aspect of hurricane preparedness. The team collaborates with local and state emergency management agencies and maintains regular communication updates with all stakeholders.
Houston Airports, which manages Bush, Hobby, and Ellington airports, has a complex and effective drainage system designed to keep water off the airfield. The maintenance team inspects and clears the drainage systems, ensuring proper functionality in case of heavy rainfall. They also test pump stations and ensure backup power sources to maintain uninterrupted critical operations during and after storms.
Additionally, the team readies essential vehicles and equipment for potential deployment and collaborates with other U.S. airports to learn from their experiences and implement new procedures. Their work in securing facilities and minimising wind damage through boarding up vulnerable areas is vital. The maintenance team's efforts are instrumental in minimising hurricane damage, allowing for a swift return to full functionality across Houston's airports.
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Houston Airports collaborate with government agencies and airlines to manage hurricane disruptions
Houston Airports, the City of Houston's Department of Aviation, manages and operates George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD). The airport system is constantly monitoring the weather and is in communication with the National Weather Service and the Office of Emergency Management. Houston is strategically located along the Gulf of Mexico, making it a prime location for the NOAA Hurricane Hunters.
The Houston Airports All-Weather Hazard and Emergency Plan includes collaboration with the City of Houston's Office of Emergency Management and coordination among more than two dozen people who represent city, state, and federal government agencies or airlines. The plan is designed to ensure all travellers receive the best response from Houston Airports. The process usually starts five days, or 120 hours, before the storm is expected to make landfall. Airlines will then also begin flying out as many aircraft as possible.
Houston Airports has a complex and effective drainage system that runs throughout the grounds at Bush, Hobby and Ellington airports. The drainage system is designed to keep water off the airfield. Once a hurricane or tropical storm passes Houston, the airport begins assessing damage and making repairs. “Our goal is to get the airport operational as quickly as possible,” said Szczesniak.
Houston Airports Maintenance is in communication with other U.S. airports that have endured hurricanes to learn from their experiences. Collaboration with other airports has led to new procedures to ensure Houston Airports is prepared before, during and after a storm. A detailed hurricane plan has been communicated to all employees, ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during a storm.
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Transport options are available to and from Houston Airport, including courtesy vans, public buses, and taxis
Houston Airport, or George Bush Intercontinental Airport, offers a variety of transport options to travellers, including public buses, courtesy vans, taxis, rental cars, limousines, and ride-sharing services.
The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) offers a convenient and affordable way to get to downtown Houston and other locations within the city. METRO Bus 102 serves the airport and downtown, with multiple stops along the way, and fares are just $1.25. The bus runs from approximately 5 am until midnight, seven days a week. Riders can stow their luggage in the baggage compartment, but drivers do not assist with luggage. For those travelling onwards to other destinations in Texas, other bus lines are also available.
For travellers who prefer more comfort or are carrying a lot of luggage, taxis are readily available at Curb Zone 3, outside the baggage claim area. Taxis serve all destinations within the city, and you can share a taxi at a single fare. Late-night surcharges apply, and senior citizens are eligible for a 10% discount. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft also operate at the airport, with designated pick-up and drop-off locations outside each terminal.
Another option for travellers is to utilise courtesy vans or shuttles provided by hotels and motels. Many hotels offer this service, and you can request a pick-up using the courtesy telephones in the baggage claim area.
For those who prefer a more luxurious option, limousine services are available for transport to destinations within Houston, including downtown, city hotels, and nearby areas. Limousines depart from curb zones 9B and 11 outside the Baggage Claim area.
Finally, for those who wish to explore the city independently, rental cars are available from major companies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty, located at the Consolidated Rental Car Facility. Shuttle buses are provided to transport passengers from the terminals to the rental car centre.
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Frequently asked questions
Houston's two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport, are operational. However, travellers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as severe weather conditions may cause disruptions.
Various hotels and motels offer courtesy vans to their properties. You can use the courtesy telephones in the baggage claim area to request a pick-up.
Houston Airports have many amenities to keep travellers comfortable during severe weather or long layovers, including pet relief areas, play areas, quiet rooms, Wi-Fi, retail stores, and food and beverage outlets.
