AIRLINES AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CANCEL FLIGHTS TO EAST COAST AIRPORTS DUE TO SUPERSTORM SANDY

Update #1 at 8:55 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2012:

FROM THE LAX AIRPORT RESPONSE COORDINATION CENTER:

About 8:55 a.m., the FAA lifted the ground stop at LAX and departing flights have resumed.  No arrival flights were diverted during the temporary ground stop at LAX.

Initial statement at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2012:

FROM THE LAX AIRPORT RESPONSE COORDINATION CENTER:

About 8 a.m., the FAA implemented a ground stop at LAX due to heavy fog.  This means departing flights are being delayed at this point in time.  Also, some arrival flights are expected to be delayed in taking off from their originating airports or diverted to other airports.  The ground delay remains in effect until weather conditions improve at LAX. 

In the meantime, due to weather conditions associated with Superstorm Sandy, New York/JFK and Newark airports remain temporarily closed until further notice (along with other airports not served by LAX).  Ten airlines at LAX report 182 cancellations for today (92 departures and 90 arrivals) to eastern and mid-western U.S. cities including:  Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington/Dulles, Washington/Reagan, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago/O’Hare and Cleveland.  Airlines expect to resume operations to those airports where weather conditions have stabilized and airport clean-up is underway or completed, and when the ground stop at LAX is lifted.  So, the number of cancellations could change.  Passengers booked on flights to and from those cities are advised to check with their airlines to verify flight schedules before coming to LAX.

In a related matter, LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) operations staff report no delays or cancellations due to Superstorm Sandy.