The influx of airplanes, helicopters, and drones aiding recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene has become a safety concern, officials say.
Last Saturday, at one point, 30 planes came dangerously close to midair collisions, according to a federal source who spoke to CNN. Asheville Regional Airport has been overwhelmed with air traffic, prompting officials to close the airport to incoming private aircraft, except for hurricane relief flights, until at least next Thursday.
The Federal Aviation Administration FAA emphasized the importance of safety, posting on X formerly Twitter on Friday, It’s crucial for all aviators to stay informed. The FAA also warned that many airports in the disaster zone lack air traffic control towers, urging pilots to exercise extreme caution.
Numerous private pilots have volunteered to assist in delivering supplies to storm-hit areas. The FAA stated that its goal is to prioritize safety while supporting these vital relief efforts. State aviation officials have restricted some private flights into heavily affected areas like Asheville and established a phone line for pilots to request permission to land at Asheville Regional Airport.
“Our team is working tirelessly to ensure that all relief flights, whether for delivering supplies or search and rescue, are operating efficiently and safely, said Asheville Regional Airport spokesperson Tina Kinsey. The scale of these efforts is truly incredible.
In response to a tweet from Elon Musk, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg clarified late Friday that No one is shutting down the airspace and the FAA doesn’t block legitimate rescue and recovery flights.
The increase in air traffic is part of a massive relief effort across six southeastern states hit hard by Hurricane Helene, which left over 210 people dead. Many roads remain impassable, forcing rescuers to rely on aircraft to deliver aid and transport people from isolated areas.
In North Carolina, air traffic has surged by 300% over the past week due to relief efforts, according to Becca Gallas, director of the state’s Division of Aviation. The response has been overwhelming, Gallas said, “but safety remains our top priority.
National Guard members have been airlifting supplies and evacuating residents and pets in North Carolina. Private pilots are also playing a critical role, although not without incident. On Wednesday, a private Cessna pilot landing in Hickory, North Carolina, forgot to deploy the plane’s landing gear, temporarily closing the runway and delaying further supply drops.