In a season of strain, Houston Airports showed its heart

When the federal government shutdown stretched through October and into November, the operational impact at airports was immediate and unavoidable.

TSA officers, FAA personnel and other federal employees continued to report to their posts without pay. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD), the response from Houston Airports staff was swift, organized and entirely employee-driven. The approach was straightforward, according to Sherwin Seyjagat. “The intent is to highlight the spirit of collaboration and support that defines Houston Airports,” he wrote in one of his first emails to the airport community about the donation drive.

Collection barrels were placed in designated areas across IAH, HOU and EFD. Terminal Operations coordinated space in conference rooms for distribution. Wings of Compassion, a nonprofit organization that supports the Houston Airports community, facilitated weekly pickups.

Wings of Compassion members sorted donations — including food staples, toiletries, and baby essentials — into clean, clearly labeled sections, allowing federal workers to grab a grocery bag and select what they needed efficiently and with dignity. “What mattered most was continuity,” said Kelly Woodward, chief operating officer for Houston Airports. “Our federal partners were carrying out critical airport functions under real strain. Our role was to ensure that support was available to them without complication and without delay.”

Within days, the airport conference rooms resembled a well-organized supply hub, with cereals, canned vegetables, rice, pasta, formula, diapers and hygiene products arranged for quick access. Airline partners also contributed donations, adding depth to the weekly replenishments. The effort was steady, and the focus remained on humanity—helping our neighbors when they needed it most. “What our employees demonstrated over these weeks reflects the best of this organization,” Woodward said. “The response was practical, coordinated and rooted in respect for the people we work alongside every day. It underscored a culture that values action and community.” The shutdown formally ended on November 12. The donation drive concluded with the remaining items being transferred for distribution to federal employees awaiting their first paycheck.

“As we mark the end of the Government Shutdown, we take a moment to extend our gratitude for the extraordinary act of kindness and solidarity of our aviation community,” wrote Seyjagat in an email to Houston Airports. “The generous donations to our federal partners during this challenging period served as a vital lifeline to many. The recipients were deeply appreciative, and your compassion did not go unnoticed. A special thank you goes out to our airline partners, who stood shoulder to shoulder with us in this effort. We also wish to thank Wings of Compassion for their platform to facilitate this initiative. Their support amplified the impact of our initiative and reinforced the spirit of unity that defines our community.”

Flights continue. Security lines moved, again, at their normal pace. But inside one of the country’s busiest airport systems, November 2025 offered a clear snapshot of how a complex operation responds when its people face uncertainty.

As for Seyjagat, “The generosity was emblematic of what it means to be #HoustonStrong.”