Bush Intercontinental Airport warns of heavy traffic, long lines all summer long
Ongoing construction and increased passenger load contribute to the traffic jam.
HOUSTON, Texas – Flight delays are a part of air travel, but traffic problems are once again plaguing passengers or pickers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he has seen video of traffic jams and previous photos of frustrated people going so far as to walk out and make their flights.
“And I know there is a drawback,” Turner said. “But anytime you’re doing a major build, it’s very, very difficult to do it without there being some inconvenience.”
IAH is in the midst of a $1.4 billion project that includes an expansion of Terminal E.
And while passenger numbers have increased dramatically, the way in and out of the airport hasn’t necessarily kept pace.
“Sometimes we just have to do our best and settle for getting people through as quickly as possible,” said Mario Diaz, aviation director at Houston Airports.
Last year, the airport handled more than 9 million international travelers and more than 40 million passengers a year.
Airport officials say the new traffic signals and other measures have helped, and work to add capacity on some roads around Bush is expected to be completed by fall 2024.
In the meantime, the airport has a few tips before you take your flight:
-Check the website for things like garage capacity updates.
– Arrive three hours early for international travel.
– Arrive two hours early for domestic flights.
-Park at alternative terminals and use the tram system.
It’s also important to keep in mind that shuttles from outlying car parks can experience the same delays as everyone else.
“What I would tell people is to be patient, to be understanding,” Turner said.
The annual Offshore Technology Conference, or OTC, may have contributed to the deadlock last Sunday.
Tens of thousands of attendees came to Houston from all over the world.
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