How hurricanes affects
flights at IAH.
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) in Houston. Historical delay data, cancellation risk, airline performance, and what to do when hurricanes hits. Season: Jun - Nov.
Hurricanes Impact at IAH
Based on historical flight performance data during Jun - Nov
78%
On-time rate
during hurricanes
1.4%
Cancellation
rate
76m
Avg delay
when late
-2%
On-time rate drop
vs off-peak months
10 precip days/month
During
Jun - Nov
What happens at IAH during hurricanes
Hurricanes shut airports completely, sometimes for days. Airlines pre-cancel flights 24-48 hours before landfall. Recovery takes 2-5 days as planes and crews are repositioned from across the network.
Historical impact
During Jun - Nov, IAH's on-time rate drops to 78% — compared to 80% during non-peak months. Cancellations rise from 1.5% to 1.4% during peak hurricanes months.
Typical recovery time
2-5 days after the storm passes. Airlines need to reposition aircraft and crews from across the network. Gulf Coast airports recover faster than they used to.
Which airlines handle hurricanes best at IAH?
All airlines are subject to the same runway closures and ground stops, but some handle disruption better than others — faster rebooking, better crew scheduling, and more de-icing capacity.
Best at IAH
Delta Air Lines
81% on-time · 79m avg delay
Most delayed
JetBlue Airways
66% on-time · 80m avg delay
Based on overall performance at IAH. Individual flight performance varies by route and time of day.
Tips for flying through IAH during hurricanes
Rebook 72 hours before projected landfall
If a hurricane is heading toward IAH, don't wait for the cancellation. Airlines post waivers 2-3 days early. Seats fill up fast.
Consider a one-way rental car
If IAH closes, it may take 3-5 days to reopen. A rental car to an inland airport could get you home days sooner.
Don't fly into an evacuation zone
If IAH is under evacuation orders, your flight will be cancelled even if the airport is technically still operating. Airlines err on the side of caution.
Know your refund rights
If the airline cancels due to a hurricane, you're entitled to a full cash refund — not vouchers. Don't accept travel credits.
Get a free flight briefing for IAH
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Common questions
How does hurricanes affect flights at IAH?
During hurricanes season, IAH averages a 78% on-time rate with an average delay of 76 minutes when flights are late. The cancellation rate during peak months is 1.4%.
What months are worst for hurricanes at IAH?
Hurricanes at IAH peaks during Jun - Nov. These months show measurably higher delay and cancellation rates compared to the rest of the year.
Which airline handles hurricanes best at IAH?
Based on historical data, Delta Air Lines has the best on-time performance at IAH with a 81% on-time rate. However, all airlines are subject to the same runway and ground stop constraints during severe weather.
Do I get a refund if my IAH flight is cancelled due to hurricanes?
Yes. Under federal law (14 CFR Part 260), you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled — regardless of the reason, including weather. The airline must refund to your original payment method within 7 business days for credit cards.
How long do hurricanes delays last at IAH?
2-5 days after the storm passes. Airlines need to reposition aircraft and crews from across the network. Gulf Coast airports recover faster than they used to.
Other airports affected by hurricanes