One of the Augusta area’s primary transportation links is slowly taking steps back to full service.
Herbert Judon, Jr., Executive Director of Augusta Regional Airport, told ABD the airport lost all its primary power, is operating off generator auxiliary power, and will continue to do so indefinitely.
On Friday, just after the magnitude of the storm damage became evident, Lauren Smith, the airport’s Assistant Director of Marketing and Public Relations, sent a news release:
“Out of an abundance of caution and safety for our customers and employees, Augusta Regional Airport and airline partners will continue the suspension of outbound commercial flights during the day, Sat., Sept. 28th, 2024.”
Judon said they were able to re-open by 5 p.m. Saturday with just a handful of commercial flights.
“So, the message to folks that need to fly out, first of all, reach out to your airline, and your social media relative to your airline, to make sure to check your flight status,” he advised.
Another option is to check the airport’s website at www.flyags.com. On Sunday afternoon, the majority of Delta Airlines’ arrivals and departures were back on the schedule and on time. American had been able to reschedule some of its flights. By early afternoon Monday, both airlines had returned to nearly full schedules.
On Sunday, Judon cautioned that not all systems at the airport were fully operational.
“If you come into the terminal, all the normal amenities that you would encounter probably won’t be there this week,” he explained. “There’s limited lighting. The restaurant may not be open. We’re dealing with water issues, just like the rest of the county, the airlines are not to full capacity in terms of their technology.”
As for the passengers whose flights were canceled, Judon said contacting their airline directly was the best first step.
“I can’t speak for the airlines, but these are the typical kind of situations, these acts of nature, where they’re flexible with rebooking and refunds,” he said. “So again, get with your airlines and work those issues.”
Judon reminded passengers, “That if anyone has difficulty with their airline, they may be covered by the requirements of the FAA Reauthorization Act.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg sent airline CEOs a letter detailing the requirement in July 2024 and those are posted on the department website:
“Secretary Buttigieg reminds airlines that the refund requirements in the FAA Reauthorization Act took effect upon enactment of the law, on May 16, 2024. The letter outlines the following DOT expectations:
- Airlines must clearly and proactively inform passengers of their right to a refund whenever their flight is canceled or significantly changed.
- Cash refunds – not vouchers or credits – must be automatic for passengers when they are owed.
- Airlines should make it easy for passengers to get free rebooking, meals, hotels, and/or transportation to and from hotels as promised during controllable disruptions.
- If passengers opt for vouchers or credits after a canceled or significantly changed flight, they must be valid for at least five years.”
Judon requested passengers using the airport, which is much like a request all businesses are asking of customers, “Just like everybody else, employees are struggling with fuel, trying to get to and from work. The airport is operational, but it’s not at its normal level of efficiency and so, we want people to show all the employees some grace when they come in the airport,” he requested.
