Air travelers departing from Houston this weekend may face delays as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduces air traffic by about 10% across 40 of the nation’s busiest markets.
The measure, which includes both George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports, is intended to ease congestion and maintain safety in the skies. Airlines have begun adjusting their operations, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations nationwide.
Delta Airlines has canceled roughly 170 flights, United Airlines about 200, American Airlines around 220, and Southwest Airlines approximately 100. The changes largely affect domestic and regional routes, with around 20 roundtrips in and out of Houston impacted. International and hub-to-hub flights are expected to proceed as scheduled.
At Bush Airport, security wait times could stretch up to an hour, while passengers at Hobby may wait around 30 minutes, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Both airports remain fully operational, though fewer security lanes are open at Hobby.
United Airlines expects to cut about 4% of its daily flights—mostly domestic—while keeping long-haul services intact. Southwest Airlines has offered passengers the option to adjust travel plans without penalties.
Airport officials are advising travelers to arrive early, monitor flight updates, and stay flexible as airlines and agencies adjust to the FAA’s directive. The temporary reduction aims to balance air traffic flow and ensure continued passenger safety during the busy travel period.