Foggy conditions cause flight diversions from Sea-Tac to Spokane

A blanket of fog over the Seattle area was blamed for multiple flights being diverted to the Spokane International Airport, causing delays Friday for local takeoffs.

Todd Woodard, spokesman for the airport, said in total 14 planes were diverted to Spokane. The redirection happened at about 9 a.m. Friday morning when a thick layer of fog descended over Seattle and further north, temporarily suspending takeoffs and landings at Sea-Tac Airport and Paine Field in Everett.

At about noon, Woodard said diverted flights were starting to be released. However, due to the backup and clogging of runways, the airport expected delays well into the afternoon.

“It’s very slowly getting to be released,” he said.

The airport keeps up-to-date flight times and delays on its website.