United pilot ‘did not slow too much initially’ during landing where jet slid off runway at Bush airport
The pilot of a United Airlines jet that slid off the runway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in March told federal investigators that he did not “slow too much” initially upon landing.
United Flight attendants protest at IAH to demand airline to fix operation issues, fair contracts ahead of Labor Day
Dozens of flight attendants for United Airlines gathered Thursday to protest outside of George Bush Intercontinental Airport to demand the airline to fix ongoing operation issues and negotiate a long overdue fair contract, according to a release.
Air conditioning system out of service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Travelers and airline employees may experience unpleasant conditions at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Monday after all air conditioners were out of service. All terminals have been affected, Houston Airport officials told KPRC 2.
Second traveler confirms tires on truck were stolen at IAH days apart from first reported incident
Since our first story aired, KPRC 2 reporter Rilwan Balogun got an email from a viewer who said our web story was inaccurate-- not in any of the reporting, but the line in Houston Airports’ statement where they mentioned it was the first incident of that kind.
United Airlines passenger accused of getting drunk, scratching police officer inside bar at Bush Airport
A United Airlines flight passenger was arrested and charged with a felony after being accused of assaulting a police officer during a drunken rage at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to court records.
United Airlines, Mayor Turner host commemorative Juneteenth flight for Houston-area students
In observance of Juneteenth, United Airlines will host 100 students from Houston Independent School District and Aldine Independent School District at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for a day of aviation activities.
KPRC 2 Investigates: Bush Airport construction traffic mess and 4 things airlines are doing to help
If you’ve traveled out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport recently, or had to pick someone up - you know you’ll have to deal with major construction closures both in and outside of the airport. Our KPRC 2 team is looking at what’s being done at the airport to help travelers get to where they are going on time.
US Representative Troy Nehls calls on FAA to audit Houston Airport Systems over delayed terminal project at IAH
In August, U.S. Representative Troy Nehls told KPRC 2 Investigates he had questions over how the Mickey Leland International Terminal Program at Bush Intercontinental Airport was being managed by the Houston Airports System and its director Mario Diaz.
United offering COVID-19 testing for passengers at Bush Airport
HOUSTON – United passengers can now get tested for coronavirus at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The airline partnered with Xpress Spa to open the testing clinic in Terminal E.Passengers can choose from a rapid test with results available in 15 minutes or a PCR test with results in two to three days. If a passenger tests positive, the airline will work to rebook the passenger on a different flight. United and Xpress Spa opened a similar clinic at JFK Airport. Passengers can get more information about the clinic at United’s app, website or at the airline’s Travel Ready center at the airport.
This discount airline is now taking off from IAH airport with new routes to Cancun, Las Vegas
HOUSTON – Sun Country Airlines announced two new nonstop routes from Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport to Las Vegas and Cancun, Mexico. The discount airline added service to nine airports, including the addition of 16 nonstop flights to and from Houston-Bush and several other airports in the U.S., according to a news release on Jan. 25. From Houston-Bush, service to Cancun is set to begin May 27 and will operate twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, while service to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport is set to begin Sept. 2, operating twice a week on the same days. Those itching for a quick getaway can start booking either route on the Sun Country website right away. One-way routes from Houston to Cancun start at $129 and Houston to Las Vegas start at $59.
Emirates to increase flights to and from Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport next month
HOUSTON – Houston, are you ready to travel again? International airline Emirates will increase nonstop flights to and from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport to four times a week starting next month, according to a news release. Travel destinations with Emirates include Dubai, Istanbul and Johannesburg. Please note that several countries require a negative PCR COVID-19 test prior to departure. For more information and to book, click here.
Bush airport named TSA’s 2020 Airport of the Year for the second consecutive year
HOUSTON – George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is the 2020 Airport of the Year, according to the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA team in Houston consists of more than 1,100 employees, which includes TSA officers, inspectors, canine handlers, explosives experts, managers and program analysts. The award recognizes team achievements in key operations and mission support functions, such as measurable improvements, superior performance, notable innovation and significant operational improvements in support of TSA’s mission. “We are honored to be named TSA’s 2020 Airport of the year,” Houston Airports Director Mario Diaz said. “On behalf of the entire team at Bush Airport and the traveling public, I also congratulate the George Bush Intercontinental Airport TSA team for their invaluable commitment to safety and efficiency throughout this challenging year.
No more lost luggage, thanks to United Airlines’ new baggage handling technology
HOUSTON – United Airlines’ new baggage handling system at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the first of its kind in the United States. Our Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes got a rare opportunity at a first look behind the scenes at this new technology that impressively reduces the chances of losing your luggage. The new technology will be able to process 10,000 bags per hour. Increased scan accuracy by 25%Creates the ability to reroute customer bags while in storage system without manual intervention ensuring bags get onto the correct flight. Phase two construction begins in January, allowing United Airlines to process even more bags.
Beep boop beep: Check out the new robots that are helping travelers at Bush Airport
HOUSTON – Officials at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Monday unveiled new autonomous robots that are patrolling the Terminal C parking garage. The robots’ role will be to interact with customers and assist them with vehicle issues such as dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. “So he’s going to patrol around, looking for anomalies or looking for people to help,” said Stacy Stephens, of Knightscope Corporation, the makers of the robot. “So, if you’ve got somebody who maybe has lost their car, came back from a long trip, don’t remember where they parked, there’s a two-way intercom feature that connects them directly with their safety folks so they can actually see where the car is.”The Knightscope K5 Autonomous Data Machine is patrolling 1 to 3 miles per hour in the terminal garage for 24 hours a day, seven days a week as part of a pilot program, according to a statement from airport officials.
Houston airports suffering amid less holiday travel and COVID-19
HOUSTON – Holiday weekend travel at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport is down dramatically from past years. “This is going to be our peak of number of passengers since April,” said Houston Airport System spokesperson Augusto Bernal. However, TSA data shows only 87,000 passengers traveled by plane on April 14. As of this morning, the airport system showed 60% of parking available at both major airports. “Unfortunately a lot has been shut down, a lot has been closed,” said Rob Wigington, the Executive Director of Airport Restaurant and Retail Association.
IAH determined to be one of the hardest-hit airports during pandemic
Amid a monthslong pandemic, airports around the world suffered as far fewer people traveled due to global restrictions. According to Finance Buzz, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, or IAH, is high on the list of U.S. airports hit hardest. Ranking in the top 15 of U.S. airports seeing the biggest decline in departing passengers, IAH is down 82.83% from June 2019 compared to June 2020. According to data available from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation, IAH saw 1,473,575 travelers come through in June 2019 while only 253,036 traveled out of the airport amid the summer month impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, Finance Buzz reports. However, of the 15 airports that make the list, Houston saw the fourth most passengers in June 2020 compared to others which faced the COVID-19 travel slump.
Southwest to soon fly out of IAH and Hobby, airport official says
HOUSTON – Southwest Airlines will soon fly out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, an Houston airports official announced on Twitter Monday. In a statement posted on Twitter, Mario Diaz, director of Aviation - Houston Airports, shared this statement:“Houston Airports is excited to soon welcome Southwest Airlines to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) -- the nation’s number one Skytrax ranked airport. Southwest Airlines will continue its exceptional service and operations out of WillIam P. Hobby Airport (HOU), and its new service out of IAH will only complement its current offerings. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) will be added for service alongside existing service from the carrier’s longtime Chicago home, Midway International Airport (MDW). “Southwest owes decades of success to our employees and customers who have supported our business in Chicago and Houston,” said Gary Kelly, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Southwest Airlines.
TSA officers at Houston’s IAH find 6 loaded, 2 unloaded guns over one-week period
HOUSTON – The Transportation Security Administration at George Bush Intercontinental Airport found eight guns inside luggage over the course of a week, according to a news release. Those eight were part of 92 that have been found in 2020, meaning 11.5% of guns found at IAH were found in just a week, the release revealed. Here is a breakdown:9/20/2020: .40 loaded9/20/2020: 9mm loaded9/22/2020: .380 loaded9/23/2020: .380 loaded9/23/2020: .357 loaded9/24/2020: .380 unloaded9/24/2020: 9mm unloaded9/27/2020: 9mm loaded“Guns are prohibited in the cabins of airplanes. This law has been in place long before TSA existed,” said Juan Sanchez, TSA’s Federal Security Director for IAH. Go online to see the rules for transporting firearms.
Good deals available as Houston’s travel and tourism industry begins a slow recovery
HOUSTON – Houston’s travel and tourism industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Houston hotels still strugglingBut the outlook for the Houston area’s hotel industry isn’t as clear. “The accommodation sector is at nearly a 35% unemployment rate,” said Sawan Patel, who owns several Houston hotels with his father. Great travel deals availableThe good news that there are great travel deals available as airlines and hotels try to boost their businesses. Find hotel and dining deals in HoustonFind hotel and dining deals in AustinFind hotel and dining deals along San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk
LIST: These are all the air carriers that have resumed international flights out of Houston airports
HOUSTON – More than a dozen air carriers have restarted service of international flights from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, according to a release from Houston Airports. “The latest air carrier service restorations from Air France, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines on Sept. 2 mark Houston’s significant rebound in connectivity to European, Middle Eastern and Latin American destinations,” officials wrote in a press release. “Nearly two-thirds of the airlines providing international service at George Bush Intercontinental airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby airport (HOU) have now been restored following a sharp decline of air service due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”The following carriers have restarted their international services to and from Houston:“We are an international city with an economy that thrives on global connectivity,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said in the release. “These significant steps in restoring air service will help Houston begin to recover from the economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. I can assure you that this meaningful and significant restoration of international air-service is being matched with a strong emphasis on safety.”These are the destinations Houstonians can fly to due to the resumption of service:
IAH launches facial recognition in Terminal E to help minimize exposure for travelers
HOUSTON – George Bush Intercontinental Airport launched facial recognition technology at two gates in Terminal E to help minimize physical contact for travelers. The technology aims to remove the need for a traveler to hand a boarding pass to an employee and also accelerate the boarding process. The technology recognizes facial features — even if the person wears glasses or a facial covering. IAH will add this technology to three additional gates by June 30 and plan to have a total of 15 functional gates with its Simplified Travel technology by October. Facial recognition technology has been used at international airports, like London’s Heathrow Airport for nearly a decade, according to a report by CNN.
Texas state troopers set up screening for travelers flying in from New Orleans, tri-state area
HOUSTON – In addition to TSA agents, travelers will now be greeted by Texas state troopers at Houston airports once they land. This move is part of Governor Greg Abbott's executive order to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Cummings said travelers coming from those specific areas are required to fill out a form handed out by troopers. Travelers must provide their name, phone number, date of birth, license number, flight information, and a home address for a random follow up by a state trooper. The form is located on the Texas Department of Public Safety's website.
IAH closes TSA checkpoints at Terminal B
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) officials said today that TSA checkpoints at Terminal B will close on Sunday evening and remain closed until further notice. Passengers will have to use TSA checkpoints at Terminal A or C to get to Terminal B through the IAH Skyway or subway. Also, the two TSA checkpoints at Terminal A will be consolidated to the south location. At Terminal A North, the checkpoint will only be staffed with TSA personnel for the exit only. Airport employees will direct travelers away from the north checkpoint and direct them to the south checkpoint location.
This is how big venues, airports in Houston are protecting against spread of coronavirus
HOUSTON – A number of large venues across Houston from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport to the Toyota Center are taking steps to combat the coronavirus. “We know a lot of people travel through our airports, so we really want to emphasize our message, and just to do our part,” said Houston Airport System spokesperson Augusto Bernal. There are eight total coronavirus cases in the Houston area — three confirmed cases and five presumptive positive cases. Here is the official statement from the Toyota Center:The Houston Rockets and Toyota Center have implemented preventive measures recommended by the NBA and local and national healthcare professionals. Toyota Center has enhanced the cleaning and disinfection process of the facility between events.
TSA: IAH among top 5 airports where most guns found in 2019
HOUSTON – George Bush Intercontinental Airport is among the top five airports where Transportation Security Administration officers found the most guns in 2019. IAH officers detected 138 guns in carry-on bags or on passengers last year, authorities announced Wednesday. NEWS: TSA officers caught more firearms at checkpoints nationwide in 2019 than ever before in the agency’s 18-year history. Read the full press release: https://t.co/n3Zqyfpcnx pic.twitter.com/Qejm69lzwy — TSA (@TSA) January 15, 2020The IAH information was part of a news release that also announced that TSA officers found more firearms at checkpoints nationwide in 2019 than ever before in the agency’s 18-year history. The top five airports where TSA officers detected guns at checkpoints in 2019 were:1.
Hobby Airport beats out Bush Intercontinental Airport for domestic travel to Houston, report finds
1, while the San Antonio International Airport came in at No. Ontario International Airport - Ontario, California8. Sacramento International Airport - Sacramento, California9. San Antonio International Airport - San Antonio, Texas10. Portland International Airport - Portland, OregonClick here to view the full report and methodology.
VIDEO: Kid plays rock-paper-scissors with Houston tarmac worker through plane window
HOUSTON – A family traveling from Houston witnessed the youngest sibling make fast friends with an airline employee at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Awaiting takeoff, 9-year-old Dominik Lulgjuraj who was sitting near the window initiated a game of rock-paper-scissors with the ramp agent Hugo Salazar outside of the plane. The employee tucked his florescent batons away in his pockets and started to play along with Dominik. They played about 10 rounds before, “(The employee) stopped, because he had to guide the plane again,” Dominik said. Dominik and Francina’s dad, KPRC 2 executive producer Steve Ljuljdjuraj also shared the video attached to this story on his Twitter account.
Drought creeping back into southeast Texas
The numbers are similar throughout southeast Texas and that's not a good thing. This week, because of our recent dry spell, parts of southeast Texas have now officially slipped back into a moderate drought. The disconcerting thing is the recent trend of dry weather, which could drive us closer to a severe or extreme drought if it continues into the winter season. Early this year, between January and March, we got over 18 inches of rain -- 8 inches above normal! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, predicts that drought conditions will worsen throughout Texas into the beginning of next year.