Ground stops due to thunderstorms took effect on July 13, 2026, at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) shortly after 11:20 a.m., and are scheduled to remain until 12:45 p.m. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) implemented a ground stop just before 11:30 a.m., with operations paused through 1 p.m. Both airports face a 30 to 60 percent likelihood of ground stop extensions, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assessments.
Before the ground stops, George Bush Intercontinental Airport recorded no significant delays; post-action departure delays average approximately 35 minutes, though hourly averages have risen to about 45 minutes. William P. Hobby
Airport’s delays climbed sharply from an initial average of 12 minutes to nearly 49 minutes as the storm impact intensified.
Flight Delays and Cancellation Rankings
Houston’s two main airports are among the top ten nationwide for flight delays and cancellations on the day. George Bush Intercontinental Airport ranks third nationally with 54 delayed or canceled flights. William P. Hobby Airport follows closely with 24 such disruptions. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport leads the country with 132 delayed or canceled flights, placing it at the top of the list.
Weather Conditions and Outlook
The ground stops and flight disruptions are the result of severe thunderstorms affecting Houston and surrounding Southeast Texas,
where a “deep tropical airmass” is entrenched. The National Weather Service forecasts a temporary reduction in rainfall intensity later tonight, potentially easing air traffic operations. The FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center indicates Houston’s airports are the only locations with weather-related ground stops at this time.
Passenger and Operational Impact
Passengers at both Houston airports face unpredictable schedules due to these weather-related ground stops. Flight delays averaging from 35 to 49 minutes have caused longer wait times, and continuation of storms raises the possibility of extended ground stops. These conditions have caused cancellations and operational disruptions that affect departures at both facilities.
