Fog creates days of delays at Kelowna International Airport – Okanagan [Video]

Thick fog settling into Kelowna, B.C., caused days of delays and diversions at the airport, though conditions are currently looking up.

Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport’s chief executive officer, said on Wednesday morning alone, there were nine delays, three diverted flights, and another two cancellations.  Backtracking several days, fog caused more delays and diversions as well.

“There’s no airport in the world where you can land in what we call zero-zero visibility,” Samaddar said.

“Technically it’s possible but the regulations, for safety reasons, don’t allow you to do that. We have the most advanced navigational aids for guidance of aircraft here at the airport, given the geography and terrain we have in Kelowna.”

However, he explained, when you’re down to a quarter of a mile visibility, as was the case Wednesday, flights aren’t able to land.