KrustyVT
Jan 29, 11, 2:10 am
Ironically enough, tonight's (1/28) VX236 flight from SFO was diverted from LAX to BUR due to fog over LAX.
VX236, scheduled for a 9pm departure from SFO was delayed until around 10:15pm due to a delayed incoming aircraft (from LAX). On approach to LAX, the landing was aborted due to the visibility/ceilings falling below acceptable limits (600 feet allowed, dropped to ~500 ft. according to the pilot). We diverted to BUR, and landed around 11:10pm (PST) - as of now (1am PST), we are still on the ground here at BUR, parked at a gate.
We were first advised that we would need to refuel, wait for the fog at LAX to lift, and be on our way to LAX. We were then advised there was a maintenance issue with the equipment that actually allows for instrument landing, and that would need to be fixed. After a bit, we were informed that the fog probably wouldn't lift in LAX, however Burbank is closed and everyone has gone home, so there was nobody to handle the aircraft.
We were eventually updated with information that they were finding people to handle the flight, and we were parked at a gate. A plan was worked out which involved bringing a bus (or two) from LAX to BUR, which would then bus us back to LAX - everyone was told they were required to get on the bus, due to security reasons. As of about 5 minutes ago, we were just informed that this plan has now been scrapped, as the "fog has lifted" at LAX and the pilot was now being told to fly us to LAX.
Of course this can't happen until the plane is refueled, and the "maintenance issue" is handled. We have been told this will be happening shortly - apparently Virgin America mechanics are on site, and are "now being escorted by police". It was just announced that they will now let people off the plane if people have made alternate arrangements - if you get off you of course can't get back on, and checked bags won't be available. No taxis are available, as the airport is closed.
Kudos to the JFK based crew on VX236 - everyone has been kept up to date, and water/snacks have been distributed.
So much for a quick flight tonight! From the tarmac here in BUR as we continue to wait - good evening, Flyertalk!
EDIT (1:30am PST) - Anyone who wanted to deplane here in BUR was just allowed off the plane.
EDIT (1:50am PST) - Fuel truck spotted outside!
VX236, scheduled for a 9pm departure from SFO was delayed until around 10:15pm due to a delayed incoming aircraft (from LAX). On approach to LAX, the landing was aborted due to the visibility/ceilings falling below acceptable limits (600 feet allowed, dropped to ~500 ft. according to the pilot). We diverted to BUR, and landed around 11:10pm (PST) - as of now (1am PST), we are still on the ground here at BUR, parked at a gate.
We were first advised that we would need to refuel, wait for the fog at LAX to lift, and be on our way to LAX. We were then advised there was a maintenance issue with the equipment that actually allows for instrument landing, and that would need to be fixed. After a bit, we were informed that the fog probably wouldn't lift in LAX, however Burbank is closed and everyone has gone home, so there was nobody to handle the aircraft.
We were eventually updated with information that they were finding people to handle the flight, and we were parked at a gate. A plan was worked out which involved bringing a bus (or two) from LAX to BUR, which would then bus us back to LAX - everyone was told they were required to get on the bus, due to security reasons. As of about 5 minutes ago, we were just informed that this plan has now been scrapped, as the "fog has lifted" at LAX and the pilot was now being told to fly us to LAX.
Of course this can't happen until the plane is refueled, and the "maintenance issue" is handled. We have been told this will be happening shortly - apparently Virgin America mechanics are on site, and are "now being escorted by police". It was just announced that they will now let people off the plane if people have made alternate arrangements - if you get off you of course can't get back on, and checked bags won't be available. No taxis are available, as the airport is closed.
Kudos to the JFK based crew on VX236 - everyone has been kept up to date, and water/snacks have been distributed.
So much for a quick flight tonight! From the tarmac here in BUR as we continue to wait - good evening, Flyertalk!
EDIT (1:30am PST) - Anyone who wanted to deplane here in BUR was just allowed off the plane.
EDIT (1:50am PST) - Fuel truck spotted outside!