HOUSTON, Texas — October 30, 2026 — Terminal C North at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is back in full use after a restaurant fire closed it earlier this week. Houston Airports said Thursday afternoon, October 29, that all gates are operating and shops and restaurants have reopened.
Update: what changed
- Airport officials said on Thursday, October 29 that all passenger gates and concessions in Terminal C North had returned to normal operations (ABC13).
- The restaurant where the fire started, Ember, remains closed while crews assess the damage and decide when it can safely reopen (ABC13).
Background
- The Houston Fire Department said the fire broke out at about 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, inside Ember, prompting Terminal C North to close (ABC13).
- Access stayed restricted on Wednesday, October 28. United Airlines, which runs its Houston hub from Terminal C, temporarily moved affected flights to other terminals (Rus Tourism News).
- Rus Tourism News, citing local reporting, says the fire department’s Arson Bureau is investigating. The cause has not been confirmed.
What it means for non-revs
- United is back at its usual Terminal C North gates, but some itineraries were reassigned during the closure. Check your gate and terminal in the app before you head to the airport.
- Airport officials say schedules may still be adjusted, so check your flight with the airline on the day you travel.
- Passengers rebooked after Tuesday and Wednesday’s disruption may still be filling seats, so standby chances on Houston flights could stay tighter than usual for a day or two. Look at the loads and keep a backup flight in mind.
- Ember is still closed, so plan for slightly fewer food options in Terminal C North.
Sources
- ABC13 Houston — “IAH’s Terminal C North reopened at Bush airport after restaurant fire, airport officials say” — abc13.com
- Rus Tourism News — “Houston Bush Airport Reopens Terminal C North After Two-Day Fire Disruption” — rustourismnews.com
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