Houston Airports has opened its first ablution room and prayer room at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to provide a calming and welcoming space for passengers of all faiths and beliefs.
Located in Terminal D near Gate D15 and an existing Interfaith Chapel. the ablution room, also known as a Wudu or Tayammum facility, connects to the prayer room and allows passengers to engage in the ritual washing of hands, feet and face before prayer. The ablution room leads into a shared prayer room that can be separated by a partition.
The new space includes benches, coat racks, space for luggage and is fully ADA-accessible. Both the ablution room and prayer room are finished with calming blue quartz tile and comfortable carpeting. Passengers will find copies of the Quran, prayer rugs, prayer beads and a turbah, used by some during prayer.
“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 five-star air service gateway.”
