DFW International Airport Completes Overnight Airfield Inspections Ahead of Ike's Winds

DFW International Airport, Texas (September 13, 2008) – DFW International Airport completed overnight inspections of the airfield to assure all equipment and aircraft are secure as tropical storm-force winds head to North Texas.

The airport is expecting winds of 25-45 miles per hour later today. The Airport remains open and flights continue, although 23 cancellations are reported to airports in South Texas and Louisiana.

"We are thinking about our fellow Texans on the coast and working hard to keep things moving at DFW to keep disruptions to a minimum," said Ken Capps, vice president of public affairs at DFW. "However, safety will be the number priority today, and if the wind or heavy rain necessitate delays or cancellations, we ask everyone to please be patient with us."

DFW is prepared to activate its Emergency Operations Center if needed later today. DFW's Customer Service staff is also monitoring the storm and flights and will activate its irregular operations plan to assist passengers today if needed. The Airport also has a number of crews on standby to respond to any possible damage as a result of the storm.

The remnants of Ike may also affect flights across the United States this weekend, so travelers are advised to check with their airlines on the latest status of a flight.

Passengers are urged to go to www.dfwairport.com and click on Flight Tracker to monitor all arrivals and departures from DFW.

Military personnel returning to duty from R&R leave are asked to contact their rear detachment and the Personnel Assistance Point listed on their Port Call sheet should they encounter any flight delays during their journey back to the Middle East.

The Airport will update this advisory as warranted to keep the public informed on flight operations this weekend.