Flight operations across Hawaii, California, and Alaska were disrupted Tuesday after tsunami waves struck Hawaii’s shores. Triggered by a record 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, the waves reached over four feet in Haleiwa, Oahu. Airport authorities responded swiftly, suspending commercial operations to support evacuations and reduce incoming traffic.
Flights from Los Angeles, Vancouver, and San Francisco bound for Hawaii were either delayed, diverted, or cancelled. As authorities tracked retreating coastlines — an old tsunami warning sign — air travel within impacted states came to a standstill.
Hawaii Airports Halt Operations
Hawaii felt the greatest impact. All commercial flights were suspended by Kona International Airport, Hawaiʻi County authorities said. Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines cancelled all flights into and out of both Kona (KOA) and Hilo.
While airport terminals were physically open, no commercial travel was allowed. Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui also closed down standard operations while roughly 200 individuals took refuge within the terminal. Emergency-only movement was maintained at the peak of the threat.
FlightRadar24 statistics indicated several flights inbound to Honolulu from U.S. West Coast cities that made mid-course returns. Planes from Los Angeles, Vancouver, San Diego, and San Francisco were among those that were affected.
California, Alaska Experience Ripple Effects
The effect was not restricted to Hawaii. California’s Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) experienced a minimum of eight flight cancellations or diversions of Hawaii-bound planes. Authorities sought to curb the number of new visitors to the islands amid continued evacuation measures.
In Alaska, airport activities were also impacted, although information was still limited. Precautions were undertaken to avoid travel to potentially affected coastal areas.
Some Flights Resume, Others Remain Grounded
By Tuesday night, Hawaiian Airlines resumed flights as the immediate threat subsided. Alaska Airlines would resume operations in the morning of Wednesday. However, in the meantime, passengers were urged to verify with carriers as schedules remained fluid.
Alex Da Silva, Hawaiian Airlines Regional Communications Director, had this to say: “Hawaiian Airlines is resuming flight operations safely tonight as airports start opening again.” He went on to say that passengers should keep checking for updates.
Experts Warn This May Be the New Normal
Though the most recent tsunami came and went without calamitous destruction, climatologists warn that such occurrences can become more frequent and debilitating. Rising ocean levels and heightened seismic activity in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” might cause tsunami-related air shutdowns to become more prevalent.
The retreating beach in Haleiwa, where yachts are stranded on exposed rock, was a stark warning. “That doesn’t happen for no reason,” Hawaii Governor Josh Green said, referencing the necessity for improved coastal disaster preparedness.
Experts today call on airports, airlines, and governments to evolve long-term infrastructure and procedures, not only for earthquakes but for climate-related events likely to follow.
Urgent Coordination Needed
This tsunami alert was a test of aviation response throughout the Pacific. The synchronized shutdown ensured public safety but caused widespread disruption. In the future, both climate adaptation and quicker alert systems will be essential, not just for air travel but for coastal dwellers.
