According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is closed indefinitely. Owing to “cracks on the runway,” KOA ceased operations around 4:20 p.m. In addition to engaging with contractors to mill and resurface the impacted area, HDOT is currently assessing how much of the runway can be used.
There is presently no word on when it will reopen. Many aircraft, including those across islands, have been delayed and/or rerouted to the island. “I’ve been in contact with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and he is working with the FAA to help to solve this problem as quickly as possible,” said Senator Schatz, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.
Before leaving for the airport, passengers are urged to confirm with their airline. Hawaiian Airlines declared on Monday that it will be discontinuing all of its flights to and from Kona. Depending on information from the airport, a decision about what will happen to Tuesday’s flights will be made on Monday night.
We kindly request that visitors avoid visiting the airport. Please refrain from going to the airport if you have a Hawaiian Airlines flight that is leaving for Kona. A Hawaiian Airlines representative advised against going to the airport if you had a flight to Kona.
Hawaiian issued notifications of modifications, including cancellations of flights. “Hawaiian Airlines is assisting any passengers at airports to ensure they have access to food and lodging arrangements.”