Some flights at the Tri-Cities Airport to and from Seattle were affected by the snow.
Alaska Airlines canceled the flights expected to arrive in Pasco at 2:33 p.m. and to depart for Seattle at 3 p.m. today.
Another flight has been moved earlier, and is expected to arrive at the Tri-Cities Airport at 7:25 p.m.
And two incoming flights were diverted earlier this morning because of snow and ice on the runways.
Mid-morning, a United Airlines flight from San Francisco was diverted to Portland and an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle turned back, said Ron Foraker, airport director.
The airport’s maintenance crew of six has been out since 4 a.m. plowing snow from the runways, taxiways and apron and sanding the pavement, he said. With the snow fall and wind, it’s been a continuous job.
The two flights were diverted because the runways couldn’t be brought to the safe friction rating for the aircraft at that time, Foraker said.
But the airport was back in business by early afternoon, with incoming flights from Salt Lake City and Denver able to land, he said.
“We are open,” Foraker said. “It is just winter weather.”
Freezing rain is expected for tomorrow, which could affect flights, he said.
Residents can check on flight status by going to www.portofpasco.org. and clicking on “Flight Info” in the upper right corner.
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