DFW Quickly Returns to Normal Operations After Two Days of Heavy Storms

It wasn't just trouble -- it was double trouble... On Wednesday, June 2, 2004, DFW International Airport experienced a severe weather event for the second successive evening. Based on National Weather Service warnings, the Airport Operations Center (AOC) began preparing for the incoming storms at about 6pm.

Airline ground operations stopped due to lightning from about 8:50pm to 9:45pm, and again from 10:20pm to about 11:30pm.

The Airport experienced a total of 211 delayed departures and 92 delayed inbound flights. Another 17 inbound flights were diverted to other cities temporarily due to the inclement weather. The average delay time for the flights was 1 to 2 hours. The last delayed flight arrived at DFW after 2am. There were no reported flight cancellations. 

Airlines placed approximately 700 passengers into hotel rooms and another 400 displaced passengers chose to sleep in the terminals, mainly because of missed connecting flights. DFW placed its Concessions Plan into effect at 6:15 pm, meaning the airport's shops and restaurants remained open through the night for the convenience of displaced passengers.

In addition, the Airport provided increased DPS security officers and shuttle bus services to accommodate the higher than expected number of passengers during the overnight hours.

All flight operations resumed normally in and out of DFW Airport on Thursday morning.

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, serving 57 million passengers a year. Offering nearly 2,000 flights daily, DFW Airport provides nonstop service to 136 domestic and 31 international destinations worldwide.

FMI: www.dfwairport.com