SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) — Travelers were still facing delays at San Diego International Airport throughout Thursday, after a private jet emergency shut down the runway Wednesday night.
Airport officials said a Cessna Citation jet reported a landing gear failure during takeoff just after 7 p.m., forcing the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a ground stop.
With only one runway at the airport, the closure led to widespread disruptions, diverting inbound flights to other airports across the region.
The runway reopened at 9:23 p.m., but the impacts have stretched into Thursday, as airlines scramble to recover from canceled and delayed flights.
“All inbound flights were diverted to other airports,” said Larisa Casillas, a spokesperson for San Diego International Airport. “Even though the runway was reopened last night, airlines are still working to catch up.”
Richard Martindell, a former Air Force pilot and aircraft accident investigator, said San Diego’s single-runway design makes it especially vulnerable to delays.
“San Diego is probably the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States,” Martindell said. “There’s no room to build another runway, so any closure really creates a domino effect.”
No injuries were reported in the incident. Airport officials continue to advise travelers to check with their airlines for updated flight information.
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