Oh wow. This just keeps getting worse. This is a nightmare for all traveling in and out of Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson today and probably tomorrow as well. Not to mention, the poor workers (and some travelers) who are likely stuck at the airport tonight. City of Atlanta just confirmed via Twitter, that there was a “fire that caused extensive damage to the underground electrical facility” and that power will (hopefully) be restored to the airport by midnight tonight (nearly 12 hours after it went out.)
More Breaking Fire Confirmed Atlanta Airport Earliest Power Restored 12 Midnight!
Earlier today I went to the airport like, always to catch a quick flight. As soon as I got there, I realized that there was a power outage and posted, that there was a Ground Stop For Flights Going To Atlanta.
I hung around for a bit to see what was going on. I was in the lobby for several hours, as I would have liked to make my flight and hey it was also informational. Reader Phil said, “You’re more patient than me. I saw the lines of planes sitting on the tarmac and realized something wasn’t right. I parked, walked into the terminal, saw the mess and turned around a went home.” LOL, Phil thank you for the comment and I like your style; good move!
Next, as I’m leaving; Breaking news: Smoke In Terminal Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson. Thank goodness I left when I did (my flight was still saying that it would take off in 46 mins.) Just now it was cancelled, 5+ hours later. While I like information, I don’t like being stuck at the airport long term.
NBC News says that, “By early evening, the airport had canceled 824 flights and delayed 525, according to FlightAware.com.”
Good luck everyone; stay safe!
HT: City of Atlanta Twitter and NBC News
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If I recall correctly, this is the second time Hartsfield has had a power meltdown. The last one they tried (unsuccessfully) to blame on Georgia Power instead of their own poor planning. Let’s see where the blame game goes on this one. Anyone want to place bets?
I was scheduled JAX to RIC through ATL. A coworker in ATL told me about the power outage. Long story short – I was able to hop an AA flight to RIC. My poor co-worker is stuck in ATL until tomorrow morning. I was able to book him a hotel room though since his phone had died. What a mess!