Aspen Airport inbound and outbound flights have resumed following a temporary suspension Wednesday evening due to a wildfire burning near the airport.
Airport Airport announced the suspension just before 5:00pm and have since lifted restrictions but warns travelers might experience delays due to ongoing firefighting efforts. U.S. Forest Service officials report the 20-acre Kittle Fire has not damaged any structures and there are no evacuations are in place.
Aspen Airport was kind enough to share a little insight into the closures yesterday posting a video of firefighting helicopters that were dispatched to the area and were flying in the same airspace as commercial flights.
“To help answer questions about why the wildfire has affected airport operations, here’s some additional context: The fire is located along the airport’s approach and departure path.
Yesterday, air tankers and firefighting helicopters operated in the same corridor used by arriving and departing aircraft, which required a temporary suspension of airport operations. As of 8:20 a.m. on Aug. 20, Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect as crews conduct aerial operations to fight the wildfire. Airlines expect to operate as normally as possible today.
Travelers should continue to check directly with their airline for the latest updates on flights. This video shows aerial firefighting efforts as crews use water from the Frying Pan River while working on the Kittle Fire on Aug. 19.”
