Houston's two major airports – George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby – were closed on Tuesday due to severe winter weather, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights.
The closure, which took effect at midnight on Tuesday, primarily impacted United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, according to USA Today.
Airlines often cancel flights in anticipation of severe weather conditions. Robert W. Mann Jr., a former airline executive officer, told USA Today that most airlines usually have a good understanding of how a storm will impact their operations.
Also Read : Los Angeles fire today: Interstate 5 closed, 10,000 acres burnt to ashes in Hughes fire
Mann explained that airlines at affected airports anticipate reduced arrival and departure rates due to severe weather. Consequently, they proactively adjust their schedules to align with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) capacity limits, considering factors such as weather conditions and wind speeds.
Houston airport authorities cited hazardous road conditions within the city as the primary reason for the airport closures. This factor significantly influences airline decisions regarding flight cancellations, Mann noted.
Mann emphasised that flight schedules must be adjusted when severe weather conditions hinder passenger or crew travel to the airport. Operating a full schedule under such circumstances would be impractical and potentially unsafe.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as a major hub for United Airlines. Therefore, the flight cancellations at this airport are likely to have a ripple effect on the airline's operations across the country.
Similarly, Southwest Airlines operates a large fleet from Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, so its closure will significantly disrupt the airline's overall schedule.
Also Read: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon sounds the alarm bell again and says stocks are overvalued
Mann noted that the future course of action will depend on conditions both on the airfield and on the surrounding roads in Houston. Once the weather clears, operations should gradually return to normal.
Why were airports in Houston closed?
The winter weather forced the closure of two main airports in Houston, causing numerous flight cancellations.
Which airlines were affected due to the airport closure in Houston?
Hundreds of flights, especially the ones operated by United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, were severely impacted by airport closure in Houston.
Budget with ET
Rising Bharat may need to take center stage for India’s game-changing plans
Will Indian Railways accelerate to global standards with govt’s budgetary allocation?
Budget 2025 to catapult India's domestic manufacturing to a global scale
Pre-emptive flight cancellations
Both United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, which have significant operations in Houston, were among the most heavily affected by the Gulf Coast storm. They proactively cancelled most of the affected flights in advance, allowing passengers flexibility to adjust their travel plans.Airlines often cancel flights in anticipation of severe weather conditions. Robert W. Mann Jr., a former airline executive officer, told USA Today that most airlines usually have a good understanding of how a storm will impact their operations.
Also Read : Los Angeles fire today: Interstate 5 closed, 10,000 acres burnt to ashes in Hughes fire
Mann explained that airlines at affected airports anticipate reduced arrival and departure rates due to severe weather. Consequently, they proactively adjust their schedules to align with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) capacity limits, considering factors such as weather conditions and wind speeds.
Houston airport authorities cited hazardous road conditions within the city as the primary reason for the airport closures. This factor significantly influences airline decisions regarding flight cancellations, Mann noted.
Mann emphasised that flight schedules must be adjusted when severe weather conditions hinder passenger or crew travel to the airport. Operating a full schedule under such circumstances would be impractical and potentially unsafe.
Impact on flight operations
George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as a major hub for United Airlines. Therefore, the flight cancellations at this airport are likely to have a ripple effect on the airline's operations across the country.
Similarly, Southwest Airlines operates a large fleet from Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, so its closure will significantly disrupt the airline's overall schedule.
Also Read: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon sounds the alarm bell again and says stocks are overvalued
Mann noted that the future course of action will depend on conditions both on the airfield and on the surrounding roads in Houston. Once the weather clears, operations should gradually return to normal.
FAQs
Why were airports in Houston closed?
The winter weather forced the closure of two main airports in Houston, causing numerous flight cancellations.
Which airlines were affected due to the airport closure in Houston?
Hundreds of flights, especially the ones operated by United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, were severely impacted by airport closure in Houston.
Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
