Winter Storm Enzo Disrupts Travel Across Houston and Gulf Coast

Winter Storm Enzo is wreaking havoc on travel plans across Houston and the Gulf Coast, with heavy snow, ice, and strong winds causing significant flight cancellations.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Houston and nearby areas, forecasting up to four inches of snow and icy conditions through 6 p.m. Tuesday. Travel disruptions are widespread, as airport operations come to a near standstill.

Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has been hit hardest, with nearly 500 flights canceled—over 90% of its schedule—as of early Tuesday. At Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), 133 flights, also exceeding 90% of the day’s schedule, have been grounded. The chaos extends to New Orleans International Airport (MSY), where more than 120 departures have been canceled, representing a similar percentage of affected flights. Snowfall of three to six inches is expected in New Orleans, further complicating travel.

Major airlines have implemented extensive flight waivers to assist impacted passengers. American Airlines is allowing changes for travel through Jan. 22 at nearly 40 Gulf Coast airports, including Houston and New Orleans, with rebooking available through Jan. 26. Delta Air Lines has issued similar waivers for flights at key airports across Texas and the Gulf Coast, covering rebookings until Jan. 25.

Southwest Airlines, which canceled all flights from New Orleans on Tuesday, is offering flexibility for travelers at MSY and several other airports, allowing free rebooking within 14 days of the original travel date. Meanwhile, United Airlines, the most affected by Houston cancellations, has issued waivers for dozens of airports, including IAH and Atlanta, for flights through Jan. 22, with changes permitted for travel by Jan. 25.

As Winter Storm Enzo continues to sweep through the region, travelers are advised to monitor airline updates closely and consider rescheduling plans. With the storm’s impact extending across multiple states, it may take days for flight operations to fully recover.