Houston Airports introducing ritual washing and prayer spaces at Bush Airport

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Houston Airports has unveiled its inaugural ablution and prayer rooms at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), located in Terminal D near Gate D15 alongside an existing Interfaith Chapel. This serene and inclusive space offers an additional amenity for travelers of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. Notably, Bush Airport stands as one of the pioneering airports in the United States to provide an ablution room for its passengers. The ablution room, alternatively recognized as a Wudu or Tayammum facility, seamlessly connects to the prayer room and boasts dedicated entrances conveniently accessible from the concourse. Serving as a precursor to prayer, the ablution room facilitates the ritual cleansing of hands, feet, and face. Transitioning from the ablution room, passengers enter a communal prayer area that can be partitioned for privacy as needed.

Responding attentively to passenger requests, the new ablution room was meticulously incorporated into the planned refurbishment of IAH Terminal D. Thoughtful amenities within the space include benches, coat racks, luggage storage, and full ADA accessibility. Both the ablution and prayer rooms feature a tranquil aesthetic, adorned with calming blue quartz tiling and plush carpeting, extending a warm invitation to travelers of diverse faiths to pause and reflect before continuing their international journeys. Additionally, essential religious items such as copies of the Quran, prayer rugs, prayer beads, and a turbah are provided, catering to the needs of various religious practices. Airport chaplains collaborate with local mosques to ensure accurate qibla measurements, indicating the direction towards the Kaaba in the Sacred Mosque of Mecca.

Travelers, including those flying with Qatar, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines, are guided to these new facilities through strategically placed signage bearing the international symbol for prayer rooms, facilitating easy access and navigation.

“Houston Airports takes pride in its commitment to lead the world in providing inclusive, and useful amenities that enhance the experience of our international guests. The introduction of the new ablution room and prayer room exemplifies our dedication to ensuring all passengers receive ‘Houston friendly’ hospitality,” said Jim Szczesniak, Interim Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “Beyond serving our guests, these facilities are also available to all airport employees, embodying our belief in fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We strive to create spaces that go beyond functionality, embracing the diverse needs of our global community, and reinforcing Houston Airports as a global 5-Star air service gateway.” 

Kazim Hussain, Airport Business Development Coordinator at Houston Airports, generously contributed turbahs, prayer beads, and copies of the Quran used by certain Muslims during prayer. Hussain revealed that several airline employees have directly expressed their gratitude to Houston Airports for its commitment to fostering inclusivity through this thoughtful initiative.

“It makes me proud to know that Houston Airports is actively seeking and incorporating amenities that serve our guests and our team members,” said Hussain. “Houston is the most diverse city in the United States, and the world-class experience inside airports reflect the vibrant spirit of Houston while encouraging other airports to rise to our level of customer service.” 

Hussain emphasized that the dedicated prayer space in IAH Terminal D is accessible to all passengers, employees, and stakeholders, especially in anticipation of Ramadan.

The ablution room and prayer room officially debuted to international travelers in Terminal D on Friday, February 16. Additionally, Houston Airports provides a second Interfaith Chapel at Bush Airport in Terminal C, as well as at William P. Hobby Airport.

Remaining at the forefront of the commercial aviation industry, Houston Airports continues its commitment to creating inclusive and accessible terminals for all visitors. In recent years, initiatives such as the opening of sensory rooms, companion care changing rooms in 2023, and mother’s rooms and new service animal relief areas in 2022, further exemplify this dedication.

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