Houston airports open with safety warning after Hurricane Beryl hits area

HOUSTON – Both Houston airports opened Monday night with limited hours and a warning – Travel to airports remains dangerous.

Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports were forced to cancel flights Monday morning as Beryl dumped more than 15 inches of rain in parts of the region and 90 mph winds caused widespread damage and power outages to more than 2 million customers. Three people died in the storm.

Houston airport administrators said that in addition to knowing that getting to the airport can be a hassle, it’s critical that passengers also understand:

• Due to the hurricane, airlines have implemented a travel waiver policy that allows passengers to rebook flights scheduled between July 7 and 9 without additional fees.

• Although some flights will resume later this evening, operations are very limited.

• Airlines will return planes to Houston Monday night to repatriate out-of-town Houstonians and be ready to resume limited flights tomorrow.

• Consider a travel waiver. Aviation Director Jim Szczesniak said he joins Mayor Whitmire in asking all Houstonians to stay off the roads if possible. Travel waivers allow you to delay your trip until it is safe to travel to the airport. Airlines can rebook passengers traveling from Houston between July 7 and 9 at no additional cost to the passenger.

RELATED: Closures and cancellations announced for Tuesday following Hurricane Beryl

“First responders are working to mitigate hazardous traffic conditions that pose a significant threat to passengers and airport employees. Disabled vehicles still need to be removed from the roadway. Traffic signals and street lights may not be functioning. METRO Houston is not operating today and will offer limited service tomorrow,” the airport notice said.

Flight schedules have been updated by 28 partner airlines – some were offering limited flights on Monday evening and planned to do the same on Tuesday.