Omni Air ICE Flight Grounded for 13 Hours in NH Blizzard
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An Omni Air charter flight for ICE was grounded for over 13 hours in a New Hampshire blizzard after the flight crew exceeded mandatory duty time limits.
Key Takeaways
- •Grounded an ICE charter flight for 13 hours at Portsmouth, NH, during a severe blizzard.
- •Triggered mandatory crew rest requirements under FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 117).
- •Sparked criticism over the decision to fly into a known storm with minimal airport notification.
- •Involved an Omni Air International Boeing 767-300 operating for the DHS.
An Omni Air International charter flight operating for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was stranded for approximately 13 hours on the tarmac at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) after landing to refuel during a historic winter blizzard. The extended ground delay was ultimately caused by the flight crew reaching their maximum allowable duty time, necessitating a period of mandatory rest under federal regulations. The incident has drawn scrutiny from local officials and advocacy groups regarding the decision to operate the flight into a severe weather system.
The Boeing 767-300, with a seating capacity of approximately 290 passengers, departed from Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas, and landed at PSM shortly after 1:00 a.m. EST. By that time, severe blizzard conditions, including wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, prevented the aircraft from safely departing or being towed from its position. The flight was part of ICE Air Operations, a division of the agency's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) that facilitates the transport of noncitizens.
Operational Breakdown and Airport Response
Communication failures appear to be a central factor in the incident. The Pease Development Authority, which owns the airport, stated that its staff was not notified of the inbound flight until just 15 minutes before its arrival. Tiffany Eddy, a spokesperson for the authority and PSM, asserted that advance coordination could have prevented the situation.
"Had we been informed in advance of their intent to land at PSM during the blizzard, we would have strongly advised against it and encouraged them to divert to another airport not being impacted by this severe winter storm," Eddy said in a statement.
Port City Air, the fixed-base operator (FBO) at PSM responsible for ground services, stated that decisions regarding incoming flights are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The company affirmed its legal obligation to service all flights arriving at the airport. Omni Air International, a charter airline that provides services to government agencies, declined to provide detailed comments on the operation.
Regulatory and Crew Factors
The prolonged stay on the ground was directly impacted by federal aviation safety rules. According to statements from DHS and PSM, the flight crew reached their maximum duty period while waiting for weather conditions to improve. This triggered regulations under 14 CFR Part 117, which are set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to manage crew fatigue.
These rules establish strict limits on flight and duty time, followed by compulsory rest periods. Once a crew 'times out,' they are legally prohibited from operating an aircraft until the rest requirement is met. This regulatory constraint, combined with the severe weather, effectively grounded the aircraft long after its intended refueling stop.
Official and Activist Responses
The decision to land the flight during the blizzard was criticized by New Hampshire officials. Democratic State Representative Seth Miller described the choice as "a bit misguided," noting that while the airport cannot refuse a landing, the decision to fly into the storm's path rested with Omni Air and DHS. New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte's office confirmed it was aware of and monitoring the situation.
While the aircraft was grounded, DHS confirmed that the detainees onboard were provided with catered meals, water, restroom access, and necessary medications. The department also stated that ICE personnel conducted regular welfare checks before all passengers were eventually moved to a secure, climate-controlled space within the airport terminal.
Advocacy groups condemned the operation. Joe Jordan, a representative for the organization No ICE NH, characterized the incident as an example of ICE's "operational cruelty." He argued that forcing a flight into a blizzard demonstrated a "complete disregard for the safety of the flight crew and airport ground staff."
After the crew completed their mandatory rest period and weather conditions improved, flight-tracking data showed the aircraft departed from PSM on Tuesday morning, ultimately landing at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria.
Why This Matters
This incident highlights the significant operational risks and logistical complexities inherent in government charter flights, particularly when intersecting with severe weather and stringent aviation safety regulations. The event exposes potential communication gaps between federal agencies, private airline operators, and local airport authorities, raising critical questions about risk assessment protocols and duty of care in non-standard air operations. For aviation professionals, it serves as a case study on how crew duty limitations can become a primary factor in extended tarmac delays during irregular operations.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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