Just four hours after the eye of Hurricane Beryl moved out of the Houston area on Monday, Houston Airports resumed operations, thanks to the unified efforts of its dedicated employees, airline partners and stakeholders. Beryl, a Category 1 hurricane, left a deadly trail of damage in its wake, including power outages, downed trees and flooding. However, the quick response by Houston Airports and its 28 airline partners, concessionaires and stakeholders ensured that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) could reopen and serve passengers without significant delays by Monday afternoon.

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, photos captured by Houston Airports employees illustrate the scale of the challenge. Airline equipment was safely stored inside facilities at both airports, a precautionary measure that protected vital assets from the elements. Images also show employees mopping up stormwater that entered Bush Airport through the Skyway doors while Maintenance teams worked with Houston Police to safely remove fallen trees from the roads that surround the city’s airports.

As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work. In the initial hours after Hurricane Beryl passed over the area on July 8, Houston Airports collaborated to meet a shared goal: resume operations that support a world-class experience for passengers.  

"This was the first hurricane of the season to directly impact the Houston area, and our team's preparedness and swift response were crucial," said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. "The coordinated efforts across multiple divisions showcased our resilience and dedication to maintaining operational continuity, even under challenging circumstances."

Airport employees were among the more than 2.2 million in the Houston area who lost power during Hurricane Beryl. Houston Airports resumed operations in safe and clean facilities with limited personnel. In addition to extended TSA wait times, in the immediate days after Beryl, passengers should anticipate longer than normal lines at Ticketing Counters, Concessions and Parking Facilities. Extended lines may be frustrating, but please know they are moving.

Houston Airports is working with all local, state and federal partners to keep the airports operational. Director Szczesniak is calling for the traveling public to be cautious, patient and aware of conditions. Although the sun is now out and our skies are prime for flights, it’s imperative that Houstonians recognize Houston’s airports are still working to recover from Hurricane Beryl. Our hearts are with our fellow Houstonians as we all begin to recover from Hurricane Beryl. #HoustonStrong