Redmond Airport faced an unexpected closure on Thursday afternoon due to hazardous runway conditions caused by freezing rain. The decision to shut down the airport was prompted by safety concerns, emphasizing the priority of passenger well-being. Zachary Bass, the Redmond Airport director, highlighted the challenges posed by freezing rain and the diligence required to ensure safe operations.
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Safety First at Redmond Airport
Zachary Bass emphasized the critical role safety plays in airport operations. Freezing rain, in particular, poses a significant threat as it creates unsafe runway conditions. Bass explained that the resistance of freezing rain to deicers makes it a formidable challenge for airport staff. While the airport is well-equipped for managing snow with plowing, brooming, and deicing before inclement weather, freezing rain presents a unique set of difficulties.
Managing Freezing Rain
The airport staff continually assesses conditions minute by minute. As soon as the freezing rain subsides, reopening the runway becomes a priority. However, freezing rain’s resistance to deicing chemicals complicates the process. The precipitation falls as rain, diluting the deicing chemical, and quickly freezing on contact. Despite the closure of the runway, the terminal remained open for passengers, offering a space to wait until conditions improved.
Passenger Experience and Airline Decisions
Passengers like Miller Roman, affected by flight cancellations, expressed disappointment. The United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Redmond was canceled, impacting Roman’s plans to ski at Mt. Bachelor ski area. While the airport terminal accommodates waiting passengers, decisions regarding flight cancellations, delays, or schedules ultimately rest with the airlines. Bass sympathized with travelers, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the closure.
Prioritizing Safety Over Plans
Bass reassured travelers that safety considerations guide decisions, even if it means disruptions to travel plans. He acknowledged the rarity of such closures, occurring once or twice a year. Despite the challenges, the airport’s commitment to safety remains unwavering. Bass acknowledged the frustration felt by travelers but emphasized the necessity of prioritizing safety over convenience.
Reopening After Icy Conditions
The closure lasted more than 12 hours, with the airport reopening around 9 a.m. on Friday after extensive efforts to clear ice from the runways. The reopening allowed for the resumption of air travel, with the first flights departing around 11:30 a.m. However, the closure’s ripple effects resulted in numerous delayed or canceled flights, impacting passengers’ travel plans. Airport officials advised passengers to contact their airlines directly for updated flight information.
Managing Icy Runways
Zach Bass highlighted the severity of freezing rain, noting that about a tenth of an inch of ice coated the runway during the closure. Crews regularly perform friction tests on the runway to gauge its slickness. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules mandate airport closure if the runway becomes too slippery. Bass, reflecting on the rarity of prolonged closures, emphasized that the airport typically closes only briefly, with thorough efforts to ensure the runway is safe for operations.
Balancing Safety and Operations
The unexpected closure of Redmond Airport due to freezing rain underscores the delicate balance airports must maintain between safety and operational efficiency. While disruptions inconvenience passengers, the commitment to safety protocols remains paramount. As airports navigate the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, ensuring the well-being of passengers and the safe operation of flights remains at the forefront of decision-making processes.
