11 Flights Circling When Ground Stop Imposed

ANN RealTime Update, 0002EST, 01.15.10: The FAA is now allowing limited operations (which are being authorized on an “individual basis depending on their priority”) into Haiti's primary airport. The airport has experienced extensive problems due to its single runway and limited ramp space. With serious issues with electrical power on site, air traffic control outages, severely strained ground handling resources and the ever-present problems created by physical damage from the earthquake, operations are expected to be rationed carefully for the foreseeable future. US military carrier operations with a number of helicopters is expected to commence shortly and may relieve much of the need for island transport and may provide some limited refueling options.

Original Report: Civilian flights into Haiti were halted late Thursday morning at the request of the Haitian government due to overcrowded conditions at Toussaint L'Ouverture International Airport. The government said there was no room for arriving aircraft on the ramp, and no fuel available for departing aircraft.

Multiple media sources including the Associated Press report that the FAA ordered the ground stop after the Haitian government said it would no longer allow incoming flights, according to an official who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to speak to the press. At the time of the order halting flights, there were 11 aircraft circling the airport. There was no place to park the arriving airplanes,and no fuel available, the official said.

The control tower at the airport in Port-au-Prince was destroyed Tuesday's earthquake. The U.S. military is currently conducting operations at the Toussaint L'Ouverture airport.

FMI: www.faa.gov