PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Whitmire's Statement about Gov. Abbott's Demand for Review of Religious Accommodating Facilities at IAH
The facilities in Terminal D were built without using City taxpayer dollars nor state or federal grants, and are open to travelers of all religions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2026
Please attribute the following statement to Mayor John Whitmire in response to this letter from Gov. Greg Abbott.
“The ablution room at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) was developed and approved by the previous administration of Mayor Sylvester Turner. The room started operating during Mayor John Whitmire’s administration as part of an international expansion program at IAH.
The IAH international expansion program was paid for by fees charged to the international airlines. City taxpayer funds were not used to build this facility, nor federal or state grants either.
The ablution room and adjoining prayer room are open to all travelers, employees and stakeholders with access to Terminal D, regardless of faith. Nobody receives preferential access, and nobody is excluded.
The ablution room allows Muslim travelers, as well as other travelers whose religion requires ritual washing prior to prayer, to do so in this facility. The ablution room leads into a prayer room. Prior to the development of the dedicated washing station, travelers often used restroom sinks and other public water facilities for personal washing needs, highlighting the need for a more appropriate and designated space.
In addition to the ablution room, IAH has interfaith chapels. These facilities serve travelers of all faiths and beliefs. Therefore, their operations do not entail any discriminatory actions.
For decades, IAH and most other airports have offered interfaith chapels throughout the airports to meet the spiritual needs of travelers. The facilities at IAH have always been non-denominational and open to all. These facilities provide services requested by passengers departing for the Middle East, specifically including the washing station.
IAH is a global gateway, as it connects Houston to five continents via more than 200 nonstop routes. In 2025, Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines carried approximately 366,000 departing passengers from IAH, accounting for 22% of all international travelers departing from Terminal D. The ablution room was created in response to passenger requests and serves a practical need.”
Contact
Alvaro Ortiz
Director of Communications
Houston Mayor’s Office
Office: 832.393.0623
Mobile: 832.584.9279
alvaro.ortiz@houstontx.gov