Charlottetown Airport received three unexpected flights on Monday evening due to freezing rain diverting multiple planes from Halifax. The icy conditions in Halifax led to over nine hours of airport closure and around 50 flight cancellations or diversions, with three flights rerouted to Charlottetown.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport spokesperson, Tiffany Chase, mentioned the challenges faced by crews in managing the extended period of freezing rain, which made it difficult to maintain the airport operations. According to Chase, the freezing rain quickly covered the runways again, even after crews cleared them, making it a significant challenge for the airport staff.
Doug Newson, the CEO of Charlottetown Airport Authority, reported that it was an exceptionally bustling evening at the airport as three flights from Halifax were redirected to Prince Edward Island from various origins like Gander, Newark, and Toronto. The flights landed during the evening hours, with some passengers deplaning immediately while others had to wait due to unexpected icy conditions.
One of the Toronto-bound flights had to be canceled as Charlottetown’s runways became icy, leading to all passengers being accommodated in local hotels. The three diverted flights departed back to Halifax the next morning.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport gradually resumed operations, with one runway opening shortly after 1 a.m. and the second one reopening around 3 a.m. Airlines worked to recover from the disruptions caused by the airport shutdown, resulting in a series of delayed flights. Additional flights were added to accommodate affected travelers, with airport facilities remaining open for support.
Chase emphasized the efforts made by airlines to assist stranded passengers and mentioned the continuous support provided by airport staff and volunteers throughout the terminal.