09 Jan 2020 | 05:44 AM UTC
Australia: Operations suspended at Newman Airport (ZNE) January 9
Passenger plane slides off runway at Newman Airport (ZNE) in Pilbara on January 9, forcing all flights to be canceled; confirm flight reservations
Event
All flights in and out of Newman Airport (ZNE) in Western Australia’s Pilbara region were canceled on Thursday, January 9, after a passenger plane slide off the runway. The incident occurred at approximately 07:25 (local time), when a Qantas plane slid 60 m (196 ft) off the end of the runway and got stuck in mud. All 80 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the plane and no injuries were reported. Airport operations were suspended to allow crews to move the aircraft. According to initial reports, heavy rains from ex-Tropical Cyclone Blake caused the aircraft to slide on the runway. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Associated flight disruptions, including an increased demand for flights, are possible on Friday, January 10.
Advice
Travelers flying via ZNE are advised to confirm flight reservations and anticipate associated disruptions.
