RIC Prepares for Potential Winter Weather

Updated January 26, 5:30 p.m.

The Richmond Region is under a winter storm warning until 7:00 p.m. Monday due to a forecast of heavy mixed precipitation over the next few days. Passengers and meeters and greeters are encouraged to monitor the status of their flights via airline websites or apps.

Monday, January 26

· Richmond International Airport is open and available for flight operations.

· As of 5:30 p.m., 70 flights for today have cancelled – that’s about 45% of the scheduled total.

· Please continue to monitor the status of your flight via your airline's website, app, chat function, or customer service contact. Check with your airline to confirm or rebook.

· During inclement weather events, airlines typically waive change fees.

· Further updates may be posted on this page.

Earlier:

Sunday, January 25

· Richmond International Airport (RIC) remains open, including the terminal and priority airside facilities. All roadways at RIC are open, as well.

· While the vast majority of flights (140 of 144 scheduled) cancelled today, RIC did see a small number of scheduled commercial operations and general aviation flights.

· Snow teams have rotated and the airport’s Blue team is back on duty to address surface conditions airside and landside. Efforts remain focused on the long runway, RWY 16/34, and the taxiways between that runway and the terminal.

· Snow accumulation at RIC was in the 1-2” range, but lingering cold temperatures since conditions switched from dry snow to freezing rain early this morning have caused snow to compact. The airport continued to see precipitation throughout the day.

· According to news reports, more than 200 motor vehicle accidents have been reported across the state since the arrival of the storm. Check local road conditions and allow extra time for travelling to or from the airport.

Saturday, January 24

· All runways are clear, and the airport is operating normally.

· To address conditions when precipitation begins later tonight, the airport’s Snow Desk has been activated.

· The Blue Team has reported for the first shift to treat airfield movement areas and start snow clearing operations using specialized snow removal equipment including blowers, brooms, and snowplows (approximately twice as wide as those used on interstate highways) as needed.

· As of this update (7:00 p.m., 1/24), 35 flights of 109 scheduled have been cancelled for today, including many evening arrivals.

Original post:

Passengers urged to check flight status; Snow teams monitoring storm

With heavy snowfall predicted for this weekend, Richmond International Airport (RIC) passengers are encouraged to confirm flights with their airline before arriving and allow extra time for travel and parking.

“Richmond International Airport is proactively preparing for the anticipated winter weather,” said Perry J. Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission. “While the forecast continues to evolve, our snow teams will be monitoring conditions and working diligently to address impacts at the airport to keep operations running smoothly.”

Due to the storm, flights may be delayed or canceled. Passengers are urged to use their airline’s mobile app or website to check their flight status and schedule.

RIC’s snow teams will pretreat surfaces, including roadways, parking lots, and walkways prior to the weather’s arrival. During the storm, they will work alternating 12-hour shifts around the clock to handle snow removal in those areas and on the airfield. The top level of the parking decks has been closed as a preventative measure.

Passengers and greeters visiting RIC during this weather event should stay weather aware and use caution when driving to and at the airport. Snow removal equipment may be operating on roadways or in parking areas.

About Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Richmond International Airport’s vision is to be the region’s preferred gateway to the world. In support of its vision, RIC recognizes the importance of providing choices to travelers and offers connecting options to points around the globe. According to the Commonwealth of Virginia, activities attributable to the airport create 14,000 jobs and contribute about $2.4 billion in annual economic activity to Virginia’s Capital Region. To learn more, please visit RIC on the web, X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn.