Asheville Regional Airport Prepares for Severe Winter Weather Impacts
As Western North Carolina braces for a harsh winter storm this weekend, the Asheville Regional Airport is taking steps to handle the potential effects of snow, ice, and sleet on travel. This preparation is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel during the storm.
Background on Winter Weather Impacts at Asheville Regional Airport
The Asheville Regional Airport is on the alert as major airlines like United, Delta, Allegiant, and American have identified it as a location that may face disruptions due to the upcoming storm. Airport spokesperson Angi Daus mentioned that staff have been monitoring the weather closely and have been getting ready for several days.
Preparations in Progress
Daus explained, “Our staff has been prepping for days, watching the weather for days, making sure all of our equipment and resources and staffing plans are in place.” This highlights the airport’s commitment to keeping operations running smoothly during potential winter weather challenges.
Operational Strategies for Snow, Ice, and Sleet
The airport plans to deploy extra staff to maintain safety on the airfield. Daus emphasized that the primary goal is to keep the airfield operational and safe, even when faced with severe weather. The airport is preparing its fleet of snowplows to clear the runways and to use an FAA-approved de-icing chemical that is safe for planes.
Airline Responsibilities and Passenger Guidance
While the airport manages the airfield conditions, airlines must take care of de-icing their own planes. Daus noted that each airline has its own protocols for handling weather-related operations, which can lead to varying levels of delays and cancellations. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airlines regarding their flight status.
“Flights get canceled and delayed every day for all sorts of reasons,” Daus said, highlighting the need for passengers to stay informed.
Impact on Passengers and Flight Policies
As the storm approaches, several airlines have shared specific policies regarding flight changes during this winter weather event:
American Airlines allows customers with flights from January 23-25 to rebook without penalty, with changes needing to be made by January 25 for travel by January 28.
Delta Airlines also offers options for rebooking without fees for flights during the same period, with new tickets needing to be issued by January 28.
United Airlines permits passengers to rebook without penalty for travel by January 29.
Allegiant Airlines has indicated that scheduled services may be disrupted but has not released specific rebooking information.
Looking Ahead: Possible Scenarios for Travelers
With the winter storm forecasted, travelers should prepare for various scenarios:
Flight delays due to snow and ice could lead to longer wait times at the airport.
Cancellations may require passengers to find alternative travel arrangements.
Passengers should arrive early at the airport to ensure they have enough time to check in and handle any unexpected situations.
Staying Informed and Ready
The Asheville Regional Airport will provide updates via social media as conditions change. Daus encourages travelers to stay connected and check their airline’s websites for the latest information on their flights. Being proactive can help minimize the stress that comes with travel during severe winter weather.
“Our guest services and operations teams are preparing to support passengers,” Daus added, showing the airport’s dedication to customer service during challenging times.
As the storm approaches, staying informed and being prepared will help ensure a smoother travel experience for everyone at Asheville Regional Airport.
