Nine American Airlines flights, carrying hundreds of passengers, were held on the tarmac for up to three hours at Raleigh-Durham International Airport late Monday, as a severe lightning storm moved through the area. Passengers reported being trapped in sweltering cabins with limited information.
American Airlines stated that the prolonged delays were due to Air Traffic Control restrictions, gate closures, and staffing shortages during the storm. The airline told WRAL that conditions necessitated keeping aircraft on the tarmac until it was safe to move.
However, the airport offered a conflicting account, disputing the airline's explanation. Airport officials told WRAL that no gates were closed during the storm and emphasized that each airline adheres to its own safety protocols for deplaning during adverse weather.
Passengers described the experience as concerning, with some feeling that the airline was not transparent about the situation. "It's just concerning. It seems like they're just hiding something, slash not really caring about the severity of how this impacted people," passenger Correy Schnupper told WRAL. Schnupper, who was stranded for over three hours after flying from Philadelphia, was offered a $50 voucher by American Airlines, which she felt was insufficient compensation.
Other passengers reported receiving flight credits or nothing at all. Purva Joshi, a passenger from New York, told WCNC that the airline's explanations were vague and included excuses about staffing. "They were being very vague, they didn't give us any answers," Joshi said. "It was just excuses. I would have really preferred some clarity."
The airport confirmed that severe lightning triggered major operational disruptions on Monday night, impacting Tuesday's schedule. The temperature at the time was in the low to mid-70s amid humid conditions.