Kona Airport runway reopens after crack forces temporary suspension
Kona International Airport's runway has reopened following a crack that led to its temporary closure, which disrupted several flights and caused diversions to Kahului Airport.
The runway at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole has reopened Thursday afternoon after an emergency closure caused by a crack discovered on the runway, according to officials with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation suspended air operations at the airport at around 1:35 p.m. on Sept. 3, while crews worked to patch the damaged section.
The runway was reopened at about 3 p.m.
Transportation officials added that about six flights were inbound to Kona when the crack was discovered. Three flights were diverted to Kahului Airport and are expected to be rerouted once operations at Kona resume.
Crews are scheduled to make a permanent repair to the runway from 11:30 p.m. Thursday until 5 a.m. Friday.
The department also said passengers scheduled to arrive at or depart from Kona Airport on Thursday afternoon should check with their airlines for the latest flight information as operations are restored.
