EFD and HOU earn perfect marks in 2025 FAA safety inspections

Annual review confirms operational excellence and commitment to passenger safety.

Aug 13, 2025

Two Houston Airports facilities — Ellington Airport (EFD) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) — received zero discrepancies during their annual Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 inspections earlier this month, reaffirming the airport system’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, efficiency and operational readiness.

FAA Part 139 certification inspections are comprehensive, multi-day reviews that evaluate everything from runway conditions and airfield lighting to safety area compliance, wildlife hazard management, emergency response plans and documentation. A zero-discrepancy inspection is a rare achievement that reflects year-round vigilance by airport operations, maintenance teams and partner agencies.

Ellington Airport, home to the Houston Spaceport and multiple military, NASA and general aviation operations, has achieved a perfect inspection record for 20 consecutive years. “EFD’s continued record of zero discrepancies reflects the professionalism and dedication of every team member and partner who keeps this airfield safe and mission-ready,” said Arturo Machuca, director of Ellington Airport and the Houston Spaceport. “As we expand our footprint to support both aerospace innovation and military readiness, this milestone underscores that growth will never come at the expense of safety.”

Hobby Airport, North America’s first 5-Star Skytrax-rated airport, also maintained a perfect record in 2025.

“The FAA 139 inspection is our airfield’s equivalent of a five-star review,” said Michael Powers, assistant director of HOU airside operations for Houston Airports. “It confirms that every day, in every season, our airfield meets or exceeds the most rigorous safety and operational standards. This inspection directly reflects the hard work and pride our operations and maintenance teams put in 365 days a year.”