Thunderstorms in Houston led to ground stops at its two main airports on July 13, 2026. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) initiated a ground stop shortly after 11:20 a.m., scheduled until 12:45 p.m., with departure delays averaging about 45 minutes and anticipated to increase. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) imposed a ground stop just before 11:30 a.m., expected to last until 1 p.m., with average delays rising from 12 minutes to 49 minutes.
FAA Status and National Delay Rankings
The Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airspace System Status reported a 30 to 60 percent probability that the ground stops at both Houston airports could be extended. These
are the only weather-related ground stops currently recorded by the FAA nationwide. Flight Aware’s Misery Map ranks Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport highest in the United States for flight disruption, with 132 delayed or canceled flights. George Bush Intercontinental Airport ranks third nationally with 54 delayed or canceled flights, while Hobby Airport is among the top 10 with 24 delayed or canceled flights. Before the ground stop, delays at Intercontinental were non-existent but have now risen to an average of 35 minutes.
Weather Conditions Affecting Flights
The National Weather Service in Houston attributed the disruptions to a “deep tropical airmass” engulfing Southeast Texas, producing thunderstorms
throughout the day. A reduction in rainfall is forecasted for the evening, though the current storms directly caused the ground stops and delays at the city’s primary airports.
Traveler Impact and Flight Disruption
The thunderstorms resulted in grounded flights and increased delays at George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airports. Departure times at Intercontinental shifted from no delays to averages near 35 to 45 minutes, while Hobby Airport saw delays rise from 12 minutes pre-ground stop to nearly 49 minutes following the weather-induced halt. The FAA warns there is a 30 to 60 percent chance that these ground stops will be extended, which could further disrupt
flight schedules.
