Even after five days of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, which left dozens dead in the state, the two airports in Houston continue to face problems due to the damage left by the phenomenon.

Heavy torrential rains and flash floods forced the closure of both the Houston International Airport (IAH) and the Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) on Aug. 27, and on-site activities began to resume only on Saturday (2), and even then only in parts.

According to the ATW website, more than 5,000 flights were canceled in the city due to catastrophe, and for now only a limited number of domestic flights have been taken up on the spot.

“The plan is to begin a gradual return to service, with full operation expected to happen from this weekend,” said the Houston Airport System, which operates both airports. “Many highways in Houston are still unsafe for travel, so we encourage all passengers to take the time to get to the city’s airports,” the agency said in the statement.

Still according to the Houston Airport System, at this time almost all roads and airports have already been reopened, with only one road to the still flooded Texan city.

AFFECTED COMPANIES

United Airlines, with a hub at Houston International Airport, and Southwest Airlines, the leading airline at Houston Hobby Airport, were hit hardest by airport closures, both expecting a sizable reduction in on-site revenues from the hurricane. Together, the two companies bring together more than 80% of the city’s market share.

Earlier this Friday, United confirmed that it already operates 60% of its services normally in Houston, with all lobbies and terminals available to passengers. The expectation now is to reach 80% of operations by September 7 and restore 100% by the end of next week.

Southwest has stated that “regular flights to and from Houston remain suspended,” and urge passengers “do not try to reach the HOU at this time.” The airline resumed operations with limited flights as of Saturday (2).

Photo: Reproduction

Source: Panrotas