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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered an airport Muslim facilities review involving major airports in Houston and North Texas. The action targets prayer and ritual washing spaces used by Muslim travelers and airport employees.
Abbott said state officials will examine grants awarded to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. He also referred both airports to the U.S. Department of Transportation for investigation.
Abbott questions airport Muslim facilities
The Republican governor announced the review after reports described plans for additional ablution stations at DFW Airport. Ablution, also called wudu, involves washing the hands, face and feet before Muslim prayers.
“Government-owned airports cannot favor one religion over all others,” Abbott wrote Friday on social media.
Abbott said the planned DFW facilities were illegal and could amount to religious discrimination. He directed state officials to review grants awarded to DFW and Houston’s Bush Airport for possible revocation.
“These ablution facilities appear designed to single out one subset of the population for special treatment based on religion,” Abbott said in a statement. “That is illegal.”
The governor argued that the state and federal constitutions prevent government-owned facilities from favoring one religion. However, airport officials have described their prayer spaces as open to travelers from all faiths.
DFW says proposal had not received approval
DFW Airport officials said reports about the proposed project contained inaccurate information. The airport said the additional stations had not received final approval from its board.
DFW already has an ablution station near an interfaith chapel in Terminal D. That facility has operated since 2019.
The airport also maintains interfaith chapels across its terminals. Those spaces provide areas for prayer, meditation and reflection.
Following the public dispute, DFW halted its plan for additional foot-washing stations. Airport officials did not immediately announce whether the existing Terminal D facility would be affected by Abbott’s review.
The airport is jointly owned by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. Construction and airport operations involve several funding sources, including passenger fees, airport revenue and federal grants.
Bush Airport opened its ablution room in 2024
George Bush Intercontinental Airport opened an ablution room and adjoining prayer room in February 2024. The facilities are in Terminal D near Gate D15 and an existing interfaith chapel.
Houston Airports developed the rooms during a planned renovation of the international terminal. Officials said passenger requests helped shape the project.
The ablution room includes washing fixtures, benches, coat racks and luggage space. It is also accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The connected prayer room can be divided with a partition. It contains prayer rugs and other religious materials, but Houston Airports says the space welcomes people of all beliefs.
“The introduction of the new ablution room and prayer room exemplifies our dedication to ensuring all passengers receive ‘Houston friendly’ hospitality,” airport officials said when the facility opened.
Bush Airport also operates interfaith chapels in terminals C and D. Both remain open around the clock for prayer or meditation. (Houston Airports)
Review raises religious accommodation questions
The dispute centers on whether specialized washing facilities represent government support for one religion or a lawful accommodation for travelers.
Abbott maintains that the facilities give Muslim passengers special treatment. Airport officials have emphasized that their prayer rooms remain available to passengers, employees and visitors of any faith.
The First Amendment prohibits government establishment of religion. It also protects religious exercise. Courts often examine whether a public accommodation endorses a belief or provides neutral access to religious practices.
Ablution stations are designed to provide a safer alternative to washing feet in standard restroom sinks. Airport officials and facility planners have cited concerns about wet floors, accessibility and damaged counters.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has not publicly announced the scope or timeline of any investigation. It also remains unclear which state grants could face review.
Houston officials had not announced changes to the Bush Airport facilities as of Saturday. Travelers should check official airport information for updates while the state and federal reviews proceed.