Continental Airlines had hoped to have its Houston hub up and running by today (Sunday, September 14). It’s not going to happen. The carrier says service into, out of, and through Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH) won’t begin until at least tomorrow (Monday, September 15). That’s the day Continental currently plans to resume service at IAH.
In the wake of devastating Hurricane Ike, which ravaged the Bayou City early yesterday, “The airline is working closely with the Houston Airport System (Web site: www.fly2houston.com), as well as city and county officials, to reactivate the airport” says Continental in a prepared release.
Continental says flyers with itineraries to, from, or through its Houston hub can postpone or reroute their trip without penalty.
Meanwhile, discount airline Southwest, the main player at close-in Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) says: “There will be no service to and from Houston Hobby Airport on Sunday due to the impact of the storm on the airport, the surrounding area, and the City’s focus on reconnecting Houston’s vast infrastructure.” The prepared release goes on to say that Southwest’s, “ultimate plans to resume service in Houston will depend upon the status of airport security personnel and facilities as well as clear access to the airport and passengers’ service in the wake of the storm.”
Early this morning, Brandy King, Southwest spokeswoman, told Cheapflights there is “a chance Hobby will not be operation Monday either. We just don’t know yet.”
Hobby was, perhaps, even harder hit by Hurricane Ike than Bush Houston Intercontinental. Hobby is ten miles south of downtown Houston. That puts it closer to the Gulf of Mexico and devastated Galveston Island. Intercontinental is located 23 miles north of downtown, further inland.
Vast sections of the nation’s fourth-largest city remain without electrical power. Trees and debris litter roadways, and some roadways remain underwater. It could be a while before Houston returns to normal. Airlines – and the flyers depending on them – are hoping air service, at least, returns to normal as soon as possible.
Continental’s Web site (www.continental.com) can update you on the carrier’s flights. Its hubs at Newark (EWR) and Cleveland (CLE) remain open. Access information about discount airline Southwest’s plans at its Web site (www.southwest.com), or call 1-800-435-9792. Do these things before you head to the airport. Your flight just might be cancelled.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler
