San Diego Airport Operations Halted by 5.2 Earthquake, Runway Inspection Underway

Earthquake Shakes San Diego Airport

• ⚡ A significant earthquake, measuring 5.2, struck San Diego, causing immediate disruption at the airport.
• ✈️ Air traffic control audio captures pilots and controllers reacting to the tremors, with some aircraft initiating go-arounds.
• ⚠️ The primary concern became the safety and integrity of the runways following the seismic event.

Airport Operations Suspended

• 🚧 All landings and departures were temporarily suspended to allow for a thorough runway inspection.
• 🗣️ Controllers informed pilots about the situation, explaining the need for inspection before resuming operations.
• ⏳ While initial estimates varied, the airport aimed to resume operations as quickly as possible after ensuring safety.

Runway Inspection and Resumption of Service

• 🔍 Airport vehicles were dispatched to conduct a visual inspection of the runways for any visible damage.
• ✅ The inspection confirmed no visible damage, paving the way for the resumption of flight operations.
• 🛫 Departures were the first to recommence, followed by the return of landings, signaling a return to normalcy.

Pilot and Controller Reactions

• 💬 Pilots reported feeling the earthquake, with some describing it as the strongest they had experienced in years.
• 👂 ATC audio indicates that while some controllers felt the quake, others did not, highlighting the varied impact.
• ✈️ Aircraft were instructed to hold or go around as a precautionary measure during the inspection period.