Texas Governor Reviews Airport Grants After DFW Airport Halts Islamic Washing Station Proposal

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on August 15, 2026, that he would review state grants to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston following DFW's decision to discontinue a proposal for Islamic washing stations. Abbott's review may lead to the revocation of grants and has referred both airports to the U.S. Department of Transportation for further investigation. He stated that government-owned airports cannot favor one religion over others and emphasized that the proposed facilities were illegal. DFW Airport had been evaluating the installation of ablution washing stations but decided not to proceed after increased public scrutiny, citing that the project would not provide the expected operational benefits. The project was initially registered as privately funded with an estimated cost of $300,000, which DFW later clarified was a preliminary estimate and that the actual cost would be closer to $120,000 if approved. Abbott's office noted that George Bush Intercontinental Airport already has an ablution station and prayer room. He has requested a review of religious facilities at both airports to ensure compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination.