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BA poised to resume reduced Houston schedule after airports re-open

British Airways aims to resume a reduced schedule from London to flood-hit Houston at the weekend.

Thousands of flights have been cancelled in and out of the Texas city since Saturday due to heavy rainfall from Hurricane Harvey.

Houston’s two main airports – George Bush intercontinental and Hobby – re-opened at 4pm local time yesterday to run limited domestic services but airlines face a huge backlog of disrupted passengers.

Travellers are being urged to check with airlines about the status of their flights.

Operating company Houston Airports said: “The plan is to begin a phased return to service, with full serice expected by this weekend.

“Contact your air carrier for specific flight status updates regarding your flight.

“Only those with a ticket for a confirmed scheduled flight should come to the airport.

“Many roads around the City of Houston are still unsafe for travel, therefore, we urge all passengers to take their time arriving to the airports and to solidify a safe route to and from our facilities.”

BA said: “As a result of the severe flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, George Bush Intercontinental airport in Houston is currently not able to operate at its normal capacity.

“We have cancelled our services to and from Houston up to and including Friday, 1 September.

“We are also keeping other services this coming weekend under review, but are planning at this stage to operate one of our normal two daily return services.

“This decision is dependent on the latest information from the airport authorities and the emergency services dealing with the flooding.”

The planned resumption of air services came as cruise giant Carnival pledged at least $2 million to relief efforts in the US Gulf Coast region hit by Hurricane Harvey.

Three Carnival Cruise Line ships had to divert to New Orleans due to the closure of the port of Galveston as a result of the hurricane.

Sailings are due to resume from the Texas port from tomorrow but at least one cruise has been cancelled.

Carnival Cruise Line and Carnival Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Carnival Corporation, are each donating $500,000 to Harvey disaster relief efforts, for a total donation of $1 million from the company.

Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine are matching the corporation’s donation with a $1 million donation from the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation.

Passengers sailing on certain Carnival Cruise Line ships will have the option to make a donation when they check in, while the corporation’s brands and employees will be participating as well.

The funds will help relief and recovery organisations provide families with access to food, shelter, water, hygiene products, general necessities, medicines and healthcare supplies.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, and all of us throughout the Carnival Corporation family feel a responsibility to do our part in supporting relief and rebuilding efforts in a region that we call home and where so many of our guests and business partners live and work.

“We are very committed to the Gulf Coast as a vibrant and special part of the North American cruise industry, and our commitment will remain as strong as ever during the region’s recovery process.

“We know this storm is still active, so we will continue to hold positive thoughts for everyone in the region while exploring ways to support affected communities as they recover and rebuild.”

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