IAH officials on temperature improvements at terminals: 'We’re grateful for your understanding as our team prioritized an unexpected air conditioning issue'

Officials at George Bush International Airport (IAH) said on Wednesday all five of the major air gateway’s terminals are operating at suitable temperatures again following Monday’s breakdown. 

IAH’s (AC) air conditioning system gave out at the beginning of the week, forcing travelers at the so-called “Big Airport” to grapple with the searing heat that’s mainly felt outside.

“In leveraging all available resources, including temporary chillers, Houston Airports has reached the capacity necessary to maintain the air conditioning system at George Bush Intercontinental Airport,” IAH officials said on the airport’s website. “All five airport terminals are now cooling at a comfortable temperature, even during today’s extreme heat.”

A fifth temporary chiller was slated to be connected on Thursday in what officials said was an effort to supplement the system, according to the website.

“We’re grateful for your understanding as our team prioritized an unexpected air conditioning issue,” officials said.

Houston Daily reported that IAH said “unexpected issues” negatively impacted the system, causing temperatures at Terminals A, B, C, D and E to nearly resemble the unbearable outside.

Workers installed portable AC units and temporary chillers to help passengers stay cool amid the seeping heat, and affected travelers were offered free bottled water, according to the publication.

Citing Houston ABC affiliate KTRK, Houston Daily reported that Houston Airport System (HAS) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jim Szczesniak said Monday’s woes had roots in a chiller malfunctioning on Sunday.

Houston FOX affiliate KRIV reported that IAH said temperatures have improved because of repairs to its Central Utility Plant (CUP) chillers and four temporary chillers.

Thursday marked the first day of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ (ERCOT) weeklong weather watch.

Austin Journal reported that the operator of the state’s energy grid cited forecasts of triple-digit heat and the likelihood of increased demand for issuing the watch.