Houston Airports Prepare for Heavy Thanksgiving Travel as Storms Move In

Travelers moving through Houston this Thanksgiving week should brace for packed terminals and possible weather delays. Local airport officials expect a major surge in passenger volume at both George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, while incoming storms could complicate departures and arrivals.

Holiday surge brings record traffic

Airport leaders anticipate one of the busiest Thanksgiving periods in recent years. Passenger numbers have climbed steadily all year, and the holiday rush is expected to push both airports to full capacity. Officials advise travelers to arrive early, monitor airline alerts, and prepare for long security lines.

Transportation crews say peak crowds will hit midweek and continue through the weekend. Because more families are choosing to fly, airport parking lots may reach capacity faster than usual.

Storms could disrupt flights across the region

Forecasters warn that storms moving across Southeast Texas may bring heavy rain, low visibility, and strong winds. These conditions could slow operations at both airports and cause cascading delays across national routes. Airlines are preparing contingency plans, although schedules may shift with little notice.

Travelers should expect:

• Potential delays during afternoon and evening hours
• Longer wait times for baggage and ground transportation
• More gate changes as airlines adjust traffic flow

Why it matters for Houston

Thanksgiving travel impacts more than families heading out of town. Houston's hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors depend on strong holiday activity, and weather disruptions can ripple across these industries. Smooth airport operations help sustain local business spending during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

Because many residents commute through local airports for work, any extended delays could affect business schedules and holiday planning.

What’s next for travelers

Airport officials urge passengers to build extra time into their travel plans. Because storms can intensify without much warning, travelers should stay updated through airline apps and airport alerts. Officials expect operations to normalize once the weather system clears later in the weekend.

Local leaders say crews will work extended shifts to keep runways clear and terminals moving as smoothly as possible.

This article is a summary of reporting by the Houston Chronicle. Read the full story here.