The National Weather Service is monitoring the risk of a winter storm and hard freeze across the Greater Houston area. Extreme winter weather may create hazardous road conditions in and around George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

HOW WE PREPARE:

• Friction tests on the runways are performed regularly to ensure the safety of aircraft.
• Houston Airports owns and uses deicing equipment that can spray, spread and sweep a deicing treatment on the airfield.
• We are wrapping exposed piping.
• We are working with Houston Public Works to monitor and treat roadway overpasses, if necessary. 
• We are protecting the water sources that service aircraft, (think of it like a water spigot for airplane maintenance.)
• We are monitoring boiler operations at IAH and HOU.
• We are preparing employees to work extended hours as needed.
• We are working with airlines to ensure the least amount of operational disruptions. 

OUR EQUIPMENT:

• 130,000 pounds of deicing pellets
• 32,600 gallons of deicing liquid

• 55,125 pounds of deicing pellets
• 18,475 gallons of deicing liquid

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Severe weather can disrupt air travel, causing delays, cancellations and operational backlogs. While Houston Airports prioritizes safety and efficiency, recovery efforts require time and coordination between multiple agencies and partners. Understanding what happens behind the scenes can help passengers set realistic expectations and plan ahead.

• Houston Airports: Provides safe and clean facilities, manages airport operations, maintains runways and taxiways, oversees vehicle traffic flow and communicates updates to airport guests. Houston Airports does not control flight schedules, delays or cancellations.
• Airlines: Manage flight schedules, cancellations, re-bookings, baggage handling and specific communication with their passengers. They also determine when flights are ready to depart or arrive based on crew availability and aircraft readiness.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Monitors weather conditions, issues ground stops, reopens airspace, clears aircraft for takeoff and landing and oversees air traffic control to ensure safe operations in the air.

ADVICE FOR PASSENGERS

1. Passengers should monitor weather conditions, especially before traveling to the airport.
2. Passengers need to stay in touch with their airline through the airline's app, social media pages and email. This is especially important when considering weather conditions in other parts of the nation, which may have more serious weather-related difficulties.
3. Houston Airports encourages passengers to reserve parking online before arriving at the airport and to build in more time for their arrival. 
4. Houston's airports are not a shelter. 

Return to Severe Weather Resource Center