IAH Update: Terminal C North Reopens at Houston Bush After Restaurant Fire

HOUSTON, Texas — October 30, 2026 — Terminal C North at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is back in full use after a restaurant fire closed it earlier this week. Houston Airports said Thursday afternoon, October 29, that all gates are operating and shops and restaurants have reopened.

Update: what changed

Airport officials said on Thursday, October 29 that all passenger gates and concessions in Terminal C North had returned to normal operations (ABC13).
The restaurant where the fire started, Ember, remains closed while crews assess the damage and decide when it can safely reopen (ABC13).

Background

The Houston Fire Department said the fire broke out at about 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, inside Ember, prompting Terminal C North to close (ABC13).
Access stayed restricted on Wednesday, October 28. United Airlines, which runs its Houston hub from Terminal C, temporarily moved affected flights to other terminals (Rus Tourism News).
Rus Tourism News, citing local reporting, says the fire department’s Arson Bureau is investigating. The cause has not been confirmed.

What it means for travelers

United is back at its usual Terminal C North gates, but some itineraries were reassigned during the closure. Check your gate and terminal in the app before you head to the airport.
Airport officials say schedules may still be adjusted, so check your flight with the airline on the day you travel.
Passengers rebooked after Tuesday and Wednesday’s disruption may still be filling seats, so Houston flights could stay fuller than usual for a day or two. Keep a backup flight in mind.
Ember is still closed, so plan for slightly fewer food options in Terminal C North.

Sources

ABC13 Houston — “IAH’s Terminal C North reopened at Bush airport after restaurant fire, airport officials say” — abc13.com
Rus Tourism News — “Houston Bush Airport Reopens Terminal C North After Two-Day Fire Disruption” — rustourismnews.com