HOUSTON – Rapid debris removal and equipment readiness are part of the proactive steps by Houston to plan and prepare for the Atlantic Hurricane Season which began on June 1. 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 to ensure all travelers expect and receive the best response from Houston Airports.

National Hurricane Season is a six-month period that runs through November 30 when tropical weather systems are most likely to form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. These storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges, causing significant damage to infrastructure and disrupting travel. This hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a range of 17 to 25 total named storms, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes. 

“The safety of our passengers and all those who work at our airports is our top priority,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “Our comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan is reviewed annually during a pre-hurricane seminar presented to Houston Airports. While Houston Airports is not required to train airport tenants and stakeholders, we do because we believe it's good practice to educate and empower all parties on what they can expect of Houston Airports during a hurricane or tropical storm.”  

National Weather Service monitoring equipment is strategically positioned at Bush and Hobby airports. The equipment measures precipitation, wind speed and other notable meteorological metrics. That data is relayed to FAA Air Traffic Control Towers at each airport. 

“Once a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico and appears to be heading in our direction, we activate our hurricane plan and begin working through our checklist,” said Szczesniak. 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. Life safety is the top priority for Houston Airports, then property protection.”

Airlines are responsible for making decisions about delays or cancellations.

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, Houston Airports will begin assessing damage and making repairs. “Our goal is to get the airport operational as quickly as possible,” said Szczesniak.

Hurricane Preparedness Efforts at Houston Airports:

• Facility Hardening: Crews board up vulnerable areas at all three airports to minimize wind damage.
• Equipment Readiness: Essential vehicles and equipment are inspected and readied for potential deployment during and after a storm.
• Backup Power: All critical operations can access backup power sources to ensure uninterrupted operation.
• Flood Mitigation: Drainage systems are being cleared and pump stations are tested to ensure proper functionality in case of heavy rainfall.
• Debris Removal: Airport grounds are regularly inspected and cleared of any debris that could become airborne in high winds.
• Communication and Training: A detailed hurricane plan has been communicated to all employees, ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during a storm.

“Our maintenance team plays a vital role in ensuring the airports are prepared for a hurricane,” said Scott Hill, Chief Maintenance Officer for Houston Airports. “Their work in securing facilities, clearing drainage systems and readying equipment is crucial for minimizing any potential damage from our roads to our runways so airports can restore operations as quickly as possible after a storm.” 

Houston Airports Maintenance is communicating with U.S. airports that endured hurricanes in 2023 to learn from their experiences. Collaboration with other U.S. airports has led to new procedures to ensure Houston Airports is prepared before, during and after a storm.  

Houston Airports is responsible for maintaining 10,000 acres of land at Bush Airport, 1,300 acres of land at Hobby Airport and 2,400 acres of land at Ellington Airport.

Advice for passengers during hurricane season:

CHECK THE FORECAST: Before heading to the airport, research the weather during the travel duration, including weather conditions at the destination.  

CONNECT WITH YOUR AIRLINE: Each airline has specific triggers for moving passengers and canceling flights. Those decisions are not made by Houston Airports. Connect with your airline via app, social media or online chat option. 

MAKE A PLAN: If potential delays or cancellations are on the horizon, have a plan for family, pets, and property in case you cannot quickly return home. 

BE PATIENT: No one likes it when severe weather ruins travel plans, but please try not to take it out on others. Airline and airport staff want to help, but please remember that they are trying to help everyone else, too. Visit our Information Booths throughout Bush and Hobby airports to learn about helpful amenities like pet relief areas, play areas and quiet rooms. Learn more about how Houston Airports is there for you when weather delays airport operations.