http://www.jg.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=3D/20090620/LOCAL/306209988 Published: June 20, 2009 3:00 a.m. Storms divert flights to city 8 passenger planes bound for Chicago wait out weather Amanda Iacone <aiacone@xxxxxx> The Journal Gazette Severe storms Friday in Chicago diverted eight flights to Fort Wayne International Airport. Most departed by 2 p.m. Bad weather in the Chicago area Friday diverted eight planes to Fort Wayne International Airport. The planes were in Fort Wayne for no more than three hours, and passengers were allowed off the planes to spend the time in the terminal. The first plane was diverted about 10:45 a.m., said Scott Hinderman, airport director of operations and facilities. By 2 p.m., most of the planes had left for Chicago, and the rest were reboarding passengers, Hinderman said. Each aircraft was a regional carrier and typically carries 50 passengers or fewer, and the flights came from various locations. Four were American Eagle flights and the other four were United Express flights, Hinderman said. Bad weather reduced the number of planes that could land at O=92Hare International Airport and how quickly the large airport could accept them, he said. Chicago had rain and severe thunderstorms Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Fort Wayne International Airport typically handles this type of diversion 15 to 20 days a year. But those normally involve five planes or fewer. A diversion of eight planes to the airport on Ferguson Road was a bit unusual, Hinderman said. The airport handled the influx of people without any problems. The public safety department typically notifies Transportation Security Administration staff along with the restaurant and other retail services to prepare for the unexpected rush, he said. Copyright =A9 2009 The Journal Gazette. All rights reserved. News service copy is used with permission. The information contained in the report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Journal Gazette or granting news service. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> If you wish to unsubscribe from the AIRLINE List, please send an E-mail to: "listserv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx". Within the body of the text, only write the following:"SIGNOFF AIRLINE".