HOUSTON – Maintenance crews at George Bush Intercontinental Airport worked overnight after the airport’s air conditioning system malfunctioned.
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All terminals were impacted, Houston Airport officials told KPRC 2.
Houston Airports released the following statement Tuesday:
“Our airport maintenance crews continued the work overnight and have partially restored the functionality of the affected chillers in the Central Utility Plant. Additionally, the temporary chillers are plugged into the CUP and are helping to cool the terminals, providing additional capacity to the air conditioning system for the airport.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to work around the clock to fully restore the air conditioning system at Bush Airport.”
What happened?
Chief Operating Officer for the Houston Airport’s System, Jim Szczesniak, said on Sunday afternoon, one of the chillers at IAH “tripped out.” Szczesniak said they immediately ordered additional portable chillers to be delivered.
Before the new shipment arrived, another chiller reportedly went out in the early morning hours of Monday.
“So, we have two chillers down and that’s basically causing our system not to perform to the level that we need,” Szczesniak added.
According to KPRC 2 Meteorologist Anthony Yanez, the Houston area will be experiencing record-high temperatures this week. Highs will top out in the mid-to-upper 90s. Heat index values will be as high as 106.
RELATED: Temperatures climb this week
Officials released the following statement Monday:
“The air conditioning system at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is currently experiencing unexpected issues, which has reduced the capacity of the air conditioning system. As a result, the temperature inside our airport is affected. In prioritizing our passengers, we are installing temporary chillers that will supplement the air conditioning system and provide relief while our crews evaluate and expedite the necessary repairs.
“Houston Airports is working with airline partners and airport stakeholders to ensure passengers at Bush Airport have access to free bottles of water, should they need it. Inspectors with Houston Airports are also walking all five terminals to monitor the temperature inside the airport.
“Please know, Houston Airports is doing everything possible to restore optimal conditions for our passengers.”
Our world-class customer service reps are standing by ready to answer your questions and to provide some free bottled water. pic.twitter.com/Pmv6sCU61g
— Houston Bush Airport (@iah) June 12, 2023
United Airlines said it’s doing its part to help keep people cool.
The airline’s media relations department released a statement, that read:
“United will continue to ensure passengers at Bush Airport have access to free bottles of water. We encourage you to reach out to the Houston Airport System for questions on the AC issues.”
BEAT THE HEAT!
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