Airports Recovering From Winter Blast
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana's airports continue to cope with the winter storm that resulted in more than 130 flight delays and cancellations. Indianapolis International Airport Authority spokesman Carlo Bertolini is expecting “some improvements” later today, but continues to urge travelers to check with their airlines. He says it appears “very few” passengers are stranded in Indianapolis. Officials at Fort Wayne International Airport say most of today's flights at the facility have been canceled. He says crews continue work to keep the runways clear and open. Bertolini says, since Indianapolis is not a connecting airport, most of its travelers are flying in or are based in the city. He says some of the facility's restaurants are open to serve those travelers.
He says the snowfall is a bigger problem for airports than the freezing temperatures and adds the airport and airlines are prepared for the needed de-icing of the planes and runways.
Source: Network Indiana/WIBC
January 6, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Mayor Greg Ballard announced the Marion County travel advisory will move to orange (watch) as of noon today. Only essential travel will be permitted. Mayor Ballard urged Indianapolis schools and businesses to remain closed through Tuesday, as the current temperature and wind chill is still potentially deadly.
“I want to thank the citizens of Indianapolis for staying off the roads last night and this morning,” Mayor Ballard said. “Our Snow Force crews have been working diligently all weekend and through the night to keep our streets as safe as possible. They will remain activated in full force through the end of this winter weather event.”
Indianapolis public safety crews have evacuated more than 400 people who lost power overnight. Indianapolis Power and Light (IPL) reported approximately 30,000 people are currently without power. They do not expect to fully restore power before Thursday.
IPL Vice President Greg Fenig said those without power should call 261-8111 for updates. IPL has added 275 additional people to help restore power.
“We are utilizing every resource and have brought in contractors from other cities to help restore power,” Fenig said. “We are currently treating this as an ice storm. Our employees will work 16-hour shifts until all power is restored. If you are without power, we urge you to activate an emergency plan.'
Department of Public Works Director Lori Miser said private contractors have been working to clear side streets since 7 p.m. Sunday. “Neighborhoods are about 65 percent completed,” Miser said. “Main roads are clear, but are still icy. We are currently working to lay salt. Today's sun will help activate the salt and improve the roads.”
Here are some additional storm updates.
-The 211 help line is now back up and running.
-IPL still encourages those without power to call them at 261-8111.
-The Mayor’s Action Center at 327-4MAC is fully operational. Please call if you need to find a shelter.
-IndyGo busses are not operating. Only medical dialysis patients are permitted.
-17 Indy Parks emergency shelters are still open for anyone needing temporary shelter from the cold.
Source: The City of Indianapolis
January 6, 2014
News Release
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Please be advised that the administrative office of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority is closed today, Monday, January 6, 2014. Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) is open and maintenance snow crews continue to work around the clock to clear runways.
“Our maintenance crews are working diligently to keep runways clear and open at Fort Wayne International Airport,” stated Scott Hinderman, Executive Director of Airports. “Our goal is to keep the runways clear so the airlines may operate their aircraft when they deem it is safe, not only from FWA, but other connecting hubs such as Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, and Atlanta.”
Most flights for today have been cancelled, but some still appear as scheduled later in the day. The status of flights can change at a moments notice, however. For the traveling public, it is advised that you contact the airline directly to check on the status of your flight, as well as to rebook or seek a refund. Below is contact information for the airlines providing service out of FWA:
American Airlines 1-800-433-7300 www.aa.com
Delta Airlines 1-800-221-1212 www.delta.com
United Airlines 1-800-241-6522 www.united.com
Allegiant Air 1-702-505-8888 www.allegiant.com
Given the high level of cancellations across the country, all the airlines are experiencing high call volumes and wait times may be lengthy. If possible, please seek information from the airline websites, especially for flight statuses. The airlines do not have local contact numbers at FWA. Flight information may also be obtained at our website, www.flyfwa.com.
About Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport AuthorityThe Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) was created in 1985 and is responsible for managing the Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field. Since FWACAA’s inception, Fort Wayne International Airport has undergone an aggressive improvement plan which included expansion of the terminal and parking areas, upgrades to the runways, and the creation of an Air Trade Center and Foreign Trade Zone to promote economic development in Northeast Indiana. As a result of FWACAA’s commitment to customer service, Fort Wayne International Airport was recognized by USA Today as one of the friendliest airports in the nation. The Authority is governed by a six–member board appointed by both the Mayor of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Commissioners. For more information about the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, visit www.FWAirport.com.
Source: Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority