Theo Semper (MNI Alive Media)
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Several international flights destined to Antigua were earlier today diverted to intermediate airports due to the closure of the V.C. Bird International Airport. Passengers were being advised that the Airport was temporarily closed, and to standby for updates.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued at 17:31UTC OR 12:31PM local time, stated that the Aerodrome was closed due to "foul odour" in the Tower. This NOTAM had been set to expire at 1900UTC or 2:00PM local time.
American Airlines flight 2405 from MIA was diverted to St Kitts. Also AA flight 978 was diverted to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).
Virgin Atlantic Flight 33 from London Gatwick (LGW) to Antigua (ANU) was diverted to Barbados (BGI).
As of 3:35PM local time the airport has since been reopened and diverted flights are being released for V.C. Bird International Airport.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the old airport was being fumigated earlier in the day, and some toxic fumes got into the turbulence causing discomfort to the controllers, and loss of some Air Traffic Control frequencies.
Attempts to contact the Antigua & Barbuda Airport Authority has been unsuccessful.
Image of NOTAM issued for TAPA VC Bird International Airport
