Continental Airlines has resumed a comprehensive flight schedule at its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. All terminals at the airport are functioning, and Continental is providing frequent flights for travelers originating, arriving or connecting at IAH.

Today Continental (including mainline, Continental Express and Continental Connection) has more than 500 departures (and an equal number of arrivals) scheduled at the Houston hub. Continental employees from other domestic locations have flown into Houston to assist their co-workers in resuming operations at the IAH hub. Normal operations are also continuing at the carrier's other hubs.

Taxi availability at IAH is plentiful, and the Houston Airport System is reopening its consolidated rental car facility today. Travelers should check on hotel accommodations in Houston unless they already have confirmed arrangements.

Weekend Operations During Hurricane

Houston-based Continental succeeded in operating globally throughout the hurricane thanks to effective advance preparations. The airline's operations center was temporarily relocated away from downtown Houston in accordance with the business continuity plan. On Saturday and Sunday, although the Houston hub was closed due to the hurricane, the remainder of Continental's system operated extremely well. During the two-day period, 84.1 percent of Continental flights arrived on time and the airline had only three cancellations unrelated to the storm.

In a message yesterday to Continental's 44,000 employees, nearly 20,000 of them Houston-based, Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and CEO said, "I know that my co-workers have gone through many sacrifices and hardships to try to return their personal lives to normalcy after Hurricane Ike, and they've helped each other and our customers in that effort. I want to thank them for all they've done. I also want to thank our customers, many of whom are sharing the same personal and professional challenges, for taking the time and effort to express their understanding and gratitude to our team. As always, make sure your personal safety and the safety of our co-workers and customers is your top priority."