Storms, wind delay flights at McGhee Tyson Airport

By DREW GARDNER
6 News Reporter

ALCOA (WATE) - Severe weather in East Tennessee and across the country wreaked havoc on the holiday travel plans of many at McGhee Tyson Airport on Thursday.

Angela Hodges and Christopher Driskel spent the morning waiting for their daughter to arrive at the airport. She is coming home for her first visit since joining the military.

"We're ready to grab her and squeeze her and hug her," said Hodges. "Give her big kisses. Just glad she's home."

But unfortunately their wait was extended even longer by the winter storm swirling around the Midwest.

"The plane's been delayed and she's just dying to get here," said Hodges. "They're still in the air."

"We've just been so excited to see her and the weather would, of course, get in the way," said family friend Tara Brewer.

It's not only getting in the way of her flight, but several other arrivals and departures. Many flights have been delayed and some even canceled.

"We anticipate that this will continue as the storm moves through and it will eventually affect the upper Northeast," said McGhee Tyson spokesperson Becky Huckaby.

So as others pack their bags and get ready to take to the skies, airport officials are reminding people to pack their patience - something the Driskels say they have plenty of.

"We're going to wait 'til she gets here," said Hodges. "We'll be here 'til tomorrow if we're still waiting, because we're dying to get her home for the holidays."

"It will be worth it," said Driskel. "We've been waiting for this day for two months."

For up to the minute flight times, go to McGhee Tyson Airport's website. But, if your flight is delayed or canceled, you should call your airline not the airport.